50th Anniversary Perspective: The Importance of NMR Spectroscopy to Macromolecular Science

An overview is given of the development of NMR spectroscopy during the past 50 years with emphasis on applications in macromolecular science. The unique versatility of the technique, in particular solid-state NMR, being able to elucidate structure and dynamics over wide ranges in space and time is demonstrated. The examples presented illustrate how advanced NMR methods meet the challenges posed by the delicate interplay of structure and dynamics in macromolecular and supramolecular systems, leading to increasing complexity and functionality. An outlook is given on new developments that overcome the limits of NMR due to its inherently low sensitivity. Likewise, the importance of in situ NMR experiments is pointed out, which can better link the information available from NMR to the properties and function of polymer materials.