Sample Handling:

In general, high resolution NMR spectroscopy work requires clear transparent sample solution of 2 to 15% concentration. However, pure liquids may also be used provided these are not viscous or have low viscosity.  The sample is taken in a glass tube of approximately 5 mm outer diameter and 15-20 cm length capable of containing 0.5cm³ liquid sample. For little size samples the micro tubes are also available.

A significant aspect of sample handling is which the solvents should be aprotic in nature. This is so because if the solvent contains hydrogen atom then the absorption by the solvent would interfere with that of the analyte. More so, as the amount of the solvent is much more than the analyte, that signal would be much larger than that of the analyte. This might sometimes mask the analyte signal. Carbon tetrachloride which does not contain any hydrogen atom is considered as the most ideal. However, low solubility of many compounds in carbon tetrachloride puts a limitation on its use. In order to avoid this problem, a variety of deuterated organic solvents are used. Most commonly used solvents are; deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃), deuterated benzene (C₆H₆), deuterated acetone (CD₃COCD₃) and deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (CD₃SOCD₃) etc.