Potential of nuclear quadrupole resonance in pharmaceutical analysis

Nuclear quadrupole resonance is a radio frequency (rf) spectroscopic technique, closely related to NMR, which can be used to detect signals from solids containing nuclei with spin quantum number > 1/2. It is nondestructive, highly specific and noninvasive, requires no static magnetic field, and as such is currently used in the detection of explosives and narcotics. Recent technological advances in pulsed NQR methods have shortened detection times, eliminated spurious signals, and enhanced the sensitivity of detection of N-14 frequencies, which lie in the low rf range of 0.4-6 MHz, encouraging a wider range of "real world" applications. This Perspective highlights some of the advantages of NQR, the applications in which it could be used, such as the quantification of pharmaceuticals and the identification of polymorphs. Other roles could include detection, analysis, and quality control of pharmaceuticals at all stages of manufacture. Finally, recent advances which enhance even further the sensitivity of detection will be discussed.