Abstract

Abstract An exact knowledge of the structure, dynamics, and reactions of molecules provides the key to understand their functions and properties. NMR spectroscopy has developed, through the introduction of two‐dimensional methods, into the most important method for the investigation of these questions in solution. A great variety of different techniques is available. However, for their successful application not only the appropriate equipment is required, but also the right choice of experiments and optimum measurement parameters, as well as a careful evaluation of the spectra. This contribution describes the necessary background for modern NMR spectroscopy. With the aid of the so‐called product operator formalism it is possible to understand pulsed Fourier transform NMR spectroscopy both qualitatively and quantitatively. Very few, readily understandable assumptions are sufficient for confident application of these methods. This article attempts to introduce in a simple manner this formalism as well as phase cycles necessary for the understanding of pulse sequences, and to train the reader through the discussion of several 2D NMR techniques. An overview of the most important techniques is given in the second part of this article.