Interlaced Fourier transformation of ultrafast 2D NMR data

A new protocol for processing the data arising in ultrafast 2D NMR is discussed and exemplified, based on the interlaced Fourier transformation. This approach is capable of dealing in a single, combined fashion, with the two mirror-imaged interferograms arising in this kind of experiment as a result of the acquisition of a train of magnetic field gradient echoes. By combining all the acquired data points into a common Fourier processing procedure the spectral width along the direct-acquisition domain becomes effectively doubled, giving the opportunity of employing acquisition gradients that are approximately half as strong as hitherto required. This in turn should lead to an overall enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio of the experiment of ca. 2, as well as to improvements in the achievable digital resolution. These expectations were tested by carrying out a series of homo- and heteronuclear ultrafast 2D NMR acquisitions, and found systematically fulfilled. The robustness and conditions that allow the interlaced numerical procedure to be implemented in routine analytical applications were explored and are briefly discussed.