Principles of High Resolution NMR in Solids - Technical

In this review of Principles of High Resolution NMR in Solids the reviewer finds a focused, technically minded treatment aimed at researchers and advanced students. The book's single biggest strength is its clear historical and methodological explanation of why high resolution NMR in solids was long elusive and how modern methods overcame that barrier, making it valuable for anyone needing a deep conceptual grounding rather than a quick how-to. Readers looking for practical lab protocols or introductory-level breadth should be aware this is a specialist text.

Key Features

• Historical context: The book explains the rapid development of solid state NMR techniques over the prior decade, giving readers perspective on how current methods evolved.
• Problem focus: It lays out why high resolution achievable in liquids was not possible in solids and what physical factors produced broad, structureless lines.
• Technique overview: Multiple pulse, magic angle and cross-polarization approaches are discussed, helping readers understand the core methods that produced higher resolution in solids.
• Spectrum interpretation: The text emphasizes NMR as a molecular fingerprint tool at the atomic level, which aids chemists in relating spectra to structure.
• Advanced audience orientation: The narrative assumes familiarity with physical chemistry and spectroscopy, allowing deeper theoretical explanations without elementary review.

Who It's For

This book is best for physical chemists, solid state physicists and advanced graduate students who need a conceptual and historical account of the breakthroughs that enabled high resolution NMR in solids. It complements practical lab manuals by explaining why techniques like magic angle spinning and multiple-quantum spectroscopy matter.

It is less suitable for beginners or readers seeking step-by-step experimental protocols or quick reference tables; those users should look for laboratory-focused method guides or introductory texts instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough explanation of the physical reasons for broad lines in solids and how modern techniques address them.
• Good coverage of multiple pulse, magic angle and cross-polarization approaches that boosted resolution.
• Useful perspective for chemists who want to interpret solid state spectra as molecular fingerprints.

Cons

• Not a practical protocol book; readers seeking detailed experimental procedures will need supplementary manuals.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Principles of High Resolution NMR in Solids is a strong, focused resource for specialists who need a clear explanation of why solid state NMR historically lagged liquids in resolution and how modern techniques resolved that paradox. It is good value for researchers and advanced students who want conceptual depth rather than step-by-step lab procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain experimental setups?
Answer. The book emphasizes theory and methodological developments; it does not serve as a detailed experimental protocol manual.

Who will get the most from this book?
Answer. Physical chemists, solid state physicists and graduate students with prior spectroscopy knowledge will benefit most.

Are modern techniques like magic angle spinning covered?
Answer. Yes, the text discusses magic angle, multiple pulse and cross-polarization approaches that improved resolution in solids.