Carbon NMR: What is the mystery compound?
Help Yummy Food Inc survive the shut down of their food factory! Learn about the principles of the analytical technique carbon-13 NMR and interpret the spectrum of the mysterious unlabelled compound they have used in their food and drink.
- University / College






Labster is used by 1000s of amazing schools and universities
Learn moreAbout This Simulation
NMR saves the day! In this simulation, you will learn about the principles of the analytical spectroscopic technique known as nuclear magnetic resonance. Understand the factors that cause the resonance peaks and train your chemistry mind to interpret the complete spectra.
Why Carbon-13?
In our very fun minigame, learn about the characteristics of the carbon-13 nuclei and why the isotope of carbon is detected instead of the carbon-12 we know to be in the periodic table. Explore more features of the atomic nuclei that are important for nuclear magnetic resonance technology such as gyromagnetic ratio and natural abundance.
Chemical Shifts
Why do we get peaks at different chemical shifts? Explore the characteristics of atoms in a functional group that alters the position of the peaks in the Carbon-13 NMR spectra. Learn in more depth the effects of electronegativity, electron induction, and diamagnetic anisotropy and in what molecular examples do these effects take place.
Apply your newly gained knowledge about the functional groups and resonance peaks to interpret the spectra, and grasp how these effects can alter the chemical shift of the peaks. Continue your learning and get some practice using the chemical shift range to identify the presence of functional groups in the molecular structure of your solid sample.
Sample preparation
Let’s go to the lab bench! Familiarise yourself with the process of sample preparation of an organic solid compound. Explore the equipment and the reagents such as the solvents and the reference compound.
Interpret the final spectrum to uncover the molecular structure of the unknown compound.
Become the scientific detective we know you are and solve the ultimate chemystery!
Explore Carbon NMR: What is the mystery compound? Virtual Lab Simulation
How do virtual labs work?
Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.
250+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops and tablets without installing any software
Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress
Embedded quizzes to help students master science content
Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more
Get started now!
You can explore and assign simulations to your students right away.
- Access to over 250 Labster simulations for free.
- Exclusive educator access to all of Labster Course Manager content.
- 30 days for free, no credit card needed.
- Invite your students to play simulations and get their feedback.



Integrate with your LMS
Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work.








