Developments in benchtop NMR spectroscopy 2015-2020

Benchtop NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a practical tool for improved analytical characterization in many applied disciplines. Benchtop NMR spectrometers are built around permanent magnets as opposed to the cryogen-cooled magnets used in conventional NMR spectroscopy. Such instruments are relatively less expensive, compact, and in some instances portable, meaning that they can be installed and employed at locations and facilities where NMR spectroscopy has either not been financially feasible or has been impractical due to physical constraints. The increased commercial availability of these instruments has led to a wealth of studies exploring applications of NMR in many disciplines that have arguable been underserved by conventional NMR spectroscopy. This review discussed recent developments in the design of this new class of NMR instruments, as well as the use of these instruments across many disciplines, including education, process reaction monitoring, materials science, food science, and environmental science.