However, before spectra are run, other information about the sample must
be obtained. Is it homogeneous (test by thin-layer, gas, or liquid chromatography)?
What are its physical properties (melting point, boiling point, color, solubility
in various solvents)? Is it soluble in a common NMR solvent? It might
also be necessary to determine which elements are present in the sample and
its percentage elemental composition (mass spectroscopy).