High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning and Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

The techniques of cross-polarization and 'magic-angle' spinning used to obtain high-resolution solid-state NMR spectra are described and their application to inorganic systems illustrated. In general the experiments are complementary to diffraction techniques, being applicable to amorphous systems (such as surface immobilized species and glasses) where diffraction data cannot be obtained and to crystalline systems where diffraction measurements yield only partial structural data (as in the case of dynamic solid-state structures where the molecular motions are not detected, and zeolites where Si and Al atoms cannot be distinguished). In addition NMR spectroscopy provides a valuable 'bridge' between solidstate diffraction-determined molecular structures and those which exist in solution.