NMR Spectra of Molecules Oriented In a Lyotropic Mesophase

A lyotropic liquid crystalline phase has been used as an orienting matrix for NMR studies. The solvent and orientation properties of this phase are somewhat different from those of thermotropic nematogens. Spinning samples can be used facilitating the recording of well-resolved spectra suitable for analysis. The spectrum of ethanol has been recorded and analyzed in full by an iterative computer procedure. It is shown that the preferred orientation of ethanol in the mesophase is such that the C—C—O plane is perpendicular to the magnetic field. Proton and deuteron magnetic resonance rotation studies have also been performed and are discussed in the light of the high resolution results.