Microcoil based micro-NMR spectrometer and method

An NMR apparatus for analyzing and elucidating the chemical structure of an analyte sample, the apparatus comprising:

• an analyte sample holder having a containment region with a capacity of less than about 1 microliter;
• a coil having an inside dimension of less than about 1 mm, the coil being operatively associated with the analyte sample contained in the containment region of the analyte sample holder such that the coil can transmit and/or receive energy from the analyte sample in the containment region of the analyte sample holder;
• and
• a magnet massing less than about 50 kg, the magnet being positioned about the containment region of the analyte sample holder;
• wherein the microcoil and the magnet provide for the obtainment of an NMR spectrum of the analyte sample in the containment region of the analyte sample holder having a spectral line width resolution of less than about 0.1 parts per million.

A method of analysis and elucidation of the chemical structure on an analyte using NMR, the method comprising:

• providing an analyte sample of less than 1 microliter;
• providing a coil;
• generating a static magnetic field about the analyte sample;
• detecting energy emitted from the analyte sample with the coil, and
• analyzing the detected energy as a time or frequency domain spectrum having a spectral line width resolution of less than about 0.1 parts per million.