On the Search for the Appropriate Techniques for Structural Elucidation of Small Molecules

Several techniques have been developed for special structural purposes. Because they are continuously being improved, practitioners must be aware of the latest advances.The target definitely sets the combination of techniques to be used. The usefulness of combinations of different spectroscopic techniques in mlecular structure elucidation with several representative examples is illustrated. Although total synthesis constitutes the definitive proof for structure determination, sometimes the immense amount of work and time to reach the final goal make it an overwhelming task. Fortunately, recent developments in theoretical calculations and improvements in instrumental techniques constitute a milestone in the applicability of these tools to help solve 3D molecular structures of relatively small organic molecules.