The development and applications of CAVERN methods for in situ NMR studies of reactions on solid acids

This article reviews many technical details of in situ NMR applied in catalysis and reactions on catalysts. Several generations of CAVERN devices, which are at the heart of in situ NMR, are described in great detail. The use of these devices allows cryogenic preparation of solids, liquids and moisture- or air-sensitive samples for variable temperature, magic angle spinning NMR studies. Examples discussed include reactions in zeolites and less familiar solid acids including frozen magic acid. Recent advances in in situ NMR techniques, including flow probes, radio frequency heating and laser heaters, are also discussed briefly.