Enormous progress has been made in the development of nuclear magnetic resonance (MNR) instruments and techniques during the past 10 years. The application of NMR to carbohydrates and related compounds has opened up several new possibilities. The present day dissemination of NMR instruments renders it possible for a larger group of glyco-scientists to record and interpret their own NMR spectra. A review of the potency of the techniques in this field is therfore
appropriate.