Lewis Acidic Aluminosilicates: Synthesis, 27Al MQ/MAS NMR, and DFT-Calculated 27Al NMR Parameters.

Porous aluminosilicates are functional materials of paramount importance as Lewis acid catalysts in the synthetic industry, yet the participating aluminum species remain poorly studied. Herein, a series of model aluminosilicate networks containing [L-AlO3] (L = THF, Et3N, pyridine, triethylphosphine oxide (TEPO)) and [AlO4]- centers were prepared through nonhydrolytic sol-gel condensation reactions of the spherosilicate building block (Me3Sn)8Si8O20 with L-AlX3 (X = Cl, Me, Et) and [Me4N] [AlCl4] compounds in THF or toluene. The substoichiometric dosage of the Al precursors ensured complete condensation and uniform incorporation, with the bulky spherosilicate forcing a separation between neighboring aluminum centers. The materials were characterized by 1H, 13C, 27Al, 29Si, and 31P MAS NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, ICP-OES, gravimetry, and N2 adsorption porosimetry. The resulting aluminum centers were resolved by 27Al TQ/MAS NMR techniques and assigned based on their spectroscopic parameters obtained by peak fitting (δiso, CQ, η) and their correspondence to the values calculated on model structures by DFT methods. A clear correlation between the decrease in the symmetry of the Al centers and the increase of the observed CQ was established with values spanning from 4.4 MHz for distorted [AlO4]- to 15.1 MHz for [THF-AlO3]. Products containing exclusively [TEPO-AlO3] or [AlO4]- centers could be obtained (single-site materials). For L = THF, Et3N, and pyridine, the [AlO4]- centers were formed together with the expected [L-AlO3] species, and a viable mechanism for the unexpected emergence of [AlO4]- was proposed.

Quantifying the Intrinsic Strength of C-H⋯O Intermolecular Interactions.

It has been recognized that the C-H⋯O structural motif can be present in destabilizing as well as highly stabilizing intermolecular environments. Thus, it should be of interest to describe the strength of the C-H⋯O hydrogen bond for constant structural factors so that this intrinsic strength can be quantified and compared to other types of interactions. This description is provided here for C2h-symmetric dimers of acrylic acid by means of the calculations that employ the coupled-cluster theory with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] together with an extrapolation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. Dimers featuring the C-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogens bonds are carefully investigated in a wide range of intermolecular separations by the CCSD(T)/CBS approach, and also by the symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) method, which is based on the density-functional theory (DFT) treatment of monomers. While the nature of these two types of hydrogen bonding is very similar according to the SAPT-DFT/CBS calculations and on the basis of a comparison of the intermolecular potential curves, the intrinsic strength of the C-H⋯O interaction is found to be about a quarter of its O-H⋯O counterpart that is less than one might anticipate.

"Activated Borane" - A Porous Borane Cluster Network as an Effective Adsorbent for Removing Organic Pollutants.

The unprecedented co-thermolysis of decaborane(14) (nido-B10 H14 ) and toluene results in a novel porous material (that we have named "activated borane") containing micropores between 1.0 and 1.5 nm in diameter and a specific surface area of 774 m2 g-1 (Ar, 87 K) that is thermally stable up to 1000 °C. Solid state 1 H, 11 B and 13 C MAS NMR, UV-vis and IR spectroscopies suggest an amorphous structure of borane clusters interconnected by toluene moieties in a ratio of about three toluene molecules for every borane cluster. In addition, the structure contains Lewis-acidic tri-coordinated boron sites giving it some unique properties. Activated borane displays high sorption capacity for pollutants such as sulfamethoxazole, tramadol, diclofenac and bisphenol A that exceed the capacity of commercially-available activated carbon. The consistency in properties for each batch made, and the ease of its synthesis, make activated borane a promising porous material worthy of broad attention.

Formation and local structure of framework Al Lewis sites in beta zeolites.

Framework AlFR Lewis sites represent a substantial portion of active sites in H-BEA zeolite catalysts activated at low temperatures. We studied their nature by 27Al WURST-QCPMG nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and proposed a plausible mechanism of their formation based on periodic density functional theory calculations constrained by 1H MAS, 27Al WURST-QCPMG, and 29Si MAS NMR experiments and FTIR measurements. Our results show that the electron-pair acceptor of AlFR Lewis sites corresponds to an AlTRI atom tricoordinated to the zeolite framework, which adsorbs a water molecule. This AlTRI-OH2 complex is reflected in 27Al NMR resonance with δiso = 70 ± 5 ppm and CQ = 13 ± 2 MHz. In addition, the AlTRI atom with adsorbed acetonitrile-d3 (the probe of AlFR Lewis sites in FTIR spectroscopy) exhibits a similar 27Al NMR resonance. We suggest that these AlFR Lewis sites are formed from Al-OH-Si-O-Si-O-Si-OH-Al sequences located in 12-rings (i.e., close unpaired Al atoms).

Reconstructing Reliable Powder Patterns from Spikelets (Q)CPMG NMR Spectra: Simplification of UWNMR Crystallography Analysis.

Spikelets NMR spectra are very popular as they enable the shortening of experimental time and give the possibility to obtain required NMR parameters for nuclei with ultrawide NMR patterns. Unfortunately, these resulted ssNMR spectra cannot be fitted directly in common software. For this reason, we developed UWNMRSpectralShape (USS) software which transforms spikelets NMR patterns into single continuous lines. Subsequently, these reconstructed spectral envelopes of the (Q)CPMG spikelets patterns can be loaded into common NMR software and automatically fitted, independently of experimental settings. This allows the quadrupole and chemical shift parameters to be accurately determined. Moreover, it makes fitting of spikelets NMR spectra exact, fast and straightforward.

Gallium Species Incorporated into MOF Structure: Insight into the Formation of a 3D Polycrystalline Gallium-Imidazole Framework.

The formation of a polycrystalline 3D gallium-imidazole framework (MOF) was closely studied in three steps using ssNMR, XRPD, and TGA. In all steps, the reaction products show relatively high temperature stability up to 500 °C. The final product was examined by structural analysis using NMR crystallography combined with TG and BET analyses, which enabled a detailed characterization of the polycrystalline MOF system on the atomic-resolution level. 71Ga ssNMR spectra provided valuable structural information on the coexistence of several distinct gallium species, including a tunable liquid phase. Moreover, using an NMR crystallography approach, two structurally asymmetric units of Ga(Im6)6- incorporated into the thermally stable polycrystalline 3D matrix were identified. Prepared polycrystalline MOF material with polymorphic gallium species is promising for use in catalytic processes.

The Nature of Chemical Bonding in Lewis Adducts as Reflected by 27Al NMR Quadrupolar Coupling Constant: Combined Solid-State NMR and Quantum Chemical Approach.

Lewis acids and Lewis adducts are widely used in the chemical industry because of their high catalytic activity. Their precise geometrical description and understanding of their electronic structure are a crucial step for targeted synthesis and specific use. Herein, we present an experimental/computational strategy based on a solid-state NMR crystallographic approach allowing for detailed structural characterization of a wide range of organoaluminum compounds considerably differing in their chemical constitution. In particular, we focus on the precise measurement and subsequent quantum-chemical analysis of many different 27Al NMR resonances in the extremely broad range of quadrupolar coupling constants from 1 to 50 MHz. In this regard, we have optimized an experimental strategy combining a range of static as well as magic angle spinning experiments allowing reliable detection of the entire set of aluminum sites present in trimesitylaluminum (AlMes3) reaction products. In this way, we have spectroscopically resolved six different products in the resulting polycrystalline mixture. All 27Al NMR resonances are precisely recorded and comprehensively analyzed by a quantum-chemical approach. Interestingly, in some cases the recorded 27Al solid-state NMR spectra show unexpected quadrupolar coupling constant values reaching up to ca. 30 MHz, which are attributed to tetra-coordinated aluminum species (Lewis adducts with trigonal pyramidal geometry). The cause of this unusual behavior is explored by analyzing the natural bond orbitals and complexation energies. The linear correlation between the quadrupolar coupling constant value and the nature of bonds in the Lewis adducts is revealed. Moreover, the 27Al NMR data are shown to be sensitive to the geometry of the tetra-coordinated organoaluminum species. Our findings thus provide a viable approach for the direct identification of Lewis acids and Lewis adducts, not only in the investigated multicomponent organoaluminum compounds but also in inorganic zeolites featuring catalytically active trigonal (AlIII) and strongly perturbed AlIV sites.

Unexpected Crystallization Patterns of Zinc Boron Imidazolate Framework ZBIF-1: NMR Crystallography of Integrated Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Framework materials, that is, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and inorganic frameworks (zeolites), are porous systems with regular structures that provide valuable properties suitable for sorption, catalysis, molecular sieving, and so on. Herein, an efficient, experimental/computational strategy is presented that allows detailed characterization of a polycrystalline MOF system, namely, zinc boron imidazolate framework ZBIF-1, with two integrated unit cells on the atomic-resolution level. Although high-resolution 1 H, 11 B, 13 C, and 15 N MAS NMR spectra provide valuable structural information on the coexistence of two distinct asymmetric units in the investigated system, an NMR crystallography approach combining X-ray powder diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations allowed the exact structure of the secondary crystalline phase to be firmly defined and, furthermore, the mutual interconnectivity of the two crystalline frameworks to be resolved. Thus, this study shows the versatility and efficiency of solid-state NMR crystallography for the investigation of the wide family of MOF materials with their extensive structural complexity.

Exploring the Molecular-Level Architecture of the Active Compounds in Liquisolid Drug Delivery Systems Based on Mesoporous Silica Particles: Old Tricks for New Challenges.

A general, easy-to-implement strategy for mapping the structure of organic phases integrated in mesoporous silica drug delivery devices is presented. The approach based on a few straightforward solid-state NMR techniques has no limitations regarding concentrations of the active compounds and enables straightforward discrimination of various organic phases. This way, among a range of typical arrangements of the active compounds and solvent molecules, a unique, previously unknown organogel phase of the self-assembled tapentadol in glucofurol as a solvent was unveiled and clearly identified. Subsequently, with an aid of 2D 1H-1H MAS NMR and high-level quantum-chemical calculations this uncommon low-molecular-weight organogel phase, existing exclusively in the porous system of the silica carrier, was described in detail. The optimized model revealed the tendency of tapentadol molecules to form hydrophobic arrangements through -OH···π interactions combined with π-π stacking occurring in the core of API aggregates, thus precluding the formation of hydrogen bonds with the solvent. Overall, the proposed experimental approach allows for clear discrimination of a variety of local structures of active compounds loaded in mesoporous silica drug delivery devices in reasonably short time being applicable for advancement of novel drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical industry.

Multinuclear solid-state magnetic resonance study of oxo-bridged diniobium and quadruply-bonded dimolybdenum carboxylate clusters.

Carboxylate paddlewheels and their oxo-bridged analogues constitute ideal building blocks for the assembly of two- and three-dimensional framework materials. Here, we present a multinuclear (1H, 13C, 93Nb, 95Mo) magnetic resonance study of solid samples of Nb2OCl6(O2Ph)2 (1), Mo2(O2CMe)4 (2), and Mo2(O2CCHF2)4 (3). High-resolution proton and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra provide valuable information on structure and crystal symmetry and on cocrystallized solvent. 93Nb solid-state NMR spectra of 1 provide quadrupolar coupling constants and chemical shift tensors which are characteristic of the axially asymmetric Nb-O-Nb bridging environment. 95Mo solid-state NMR spectra of 2 and 3 provide quadrupolar coupling constants and chemical shift tensors which are directly characteristic of the molybdenum-molybdenum quadruple bonds in these compounds. The quadruple bonds are characterized by particularly large 95Mo chemical shift tensor spans on the order of 5500ppm. Density functional theoretical computations provide good agreement with the 93Nb and 95Mo experimental data, with some exceptions noted. This work demonstrates possible NMR approaches to characterize more complex framework materials and provides key insight into the Mo-Mo quadruple bond.

New Experimental Insight into the Nature of Metal-Metal Bonds in Digallium Compounds: J Coupling between Quadrupolar Nuclei.

Multiple bonding between atoms is of ongoing fundamental and applied interest. Here, we report a multinuclear ((1) H, (13) C, and (71) Ga) solid-state magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of digallium compounds which have been proposed, albeit somewhat controversially, to contain single, double, and triple Ga-Ga bonds. Of particular relevance to the nature of these bonds, we have carried out two-dimensional (71) Ga J/D-resolved NMR experiments which provide a direct measurement of J((71) Ga,(71) Ga) spin-spin coupling constants across the gallium-gallium bonds. When placed in the context of clear-cut experimental data for analogous singly, doubly, and triply bonded carbon spin pairs or boron spin pairs, the (71) Ga NMR data clearly support the notion of a different bonding paradigm in the gallium systems. Our findings are consistent with an increasing role across the purported gallane-gallene-gallyne series for classical and/or slipped π-type bonding orbitals.

Intercalation of Coordinatively Unsaturated Fe(III) Ion within Interpenetrated Metal-Organic Framework MOF-5.

Coordinatively unsaturated Fe(III) metal sites were successfully incorporated into the iconic MOF-5 framework. This new structure, Fe(III) -iMOF-5, is the first example of an interpenetrated MOF linked through intercalated metal ions. Structural characterization was performed with single-crystal and powder XRD, followed by extensive analysis by spectroscopic methods and solid-state NMR, which reveals the paramagnetic ion through its interaction with the framework. EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalated ions were indeed Fe(III) , whereas DFT calculations were employed to ascertain the unique pentacoordinate architecture around the Fe(III) ion. Interestingly, this is also the first crystallographic evidence of pentacoordinate Zn(II) within the MOF-5 SBU. This new MOF structure displays the potential for metal-site addition as a framework connector, thus creating further opportunity for the innovative development of new MOF materials.

Interface Induced Growth and Transformation of Polymer-Conjugated Proto-Crystalline Phases in Aluminosilicate Hybrids: A Multiple-Quantum (23)Na-(23)Na MAS NMR Correlation Spectroscopy Study.

Nanostructured materials typically offer enhanced physicochemical properties because of their large interfacial area. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive structural characterization of aluminosilicate hybrids with polymer-conjugated nanosized zeolites specifically grown at the organic-inorganic interface. The inorganic amorphous Al-O-Si framework is formed by alkali-activated low-temperature transformation of metakaoline, whereas simultaneous copolymerization of organic comonomers creates a secondary epoxide network covalently bound to the aluminosilicate matrix. This secondary epoxide phase not only enhances the mechanical integrity of the resulting hybrids but also introduces additional binding sites accessible for compensating negative charge on the aluminosilicate framework. This way, the polymer network initiates growth and subsequent transformation of protocrystalline short-range ordered zeolite domains that are located at the organic-inorganic interface. By applying an experimental approach based on 2D (23)Na-(23)Na double-quantum (DQ) MAS NMR spectroscopy, we discovered multiple sodium binding sites in these protocrystalline domains, in which immobilized Na(+) ions form pairs or small clusters. It is further demonstrated that these sites, the local geometry of which allows for the pairing of sodium ions, are preferentially occupied by Pb(2+) ions during the ion exchange. The proposed synthesis protocol thus allows for the preparation of a novel type of geopolymer hybrids with polymer-conjugated zeolite phases suitable for capturing and storage of metal cations. The demonstrated (23)Na-(23)Na DQ MAS NMR combined with DFT calculations represents a suitable approach for understanding the role of Na(+) ions in aluminositicate solids and related inorganic-organic hybrids, particularly their specific arrangement and clustering at interfacial areas.

Structure of framework aluminum Lewis sites and perturbed aluminum atoms in zeolites as determined by 27Al{1H} REDOR (3Q) MAS NMR spectroscopy and DFT/molecular mechanics.

Zeolites are highly important heterogeneous catalysts. Besides Brønsted SiOHAl acid sites, also framework AlFR Lewis acid sites are often found in their H-forms. The formation of AlFR Lewis sites in zeolites is a key issue regarding their selectivity in acid-catalyzed reactions. The local structures of AlFR Lewis sites in dehydrated zeolites and their precursors--"perturbed" AlFR atoms in hydrated zeolites--were studied by high-resolution MAS NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and DFT/MM calculations. Perturbed framework Al atoms correspond to (SiO)3AlOH groups and are characterized by a broad (27)Al NMR resonance (δi = 59-62 ppm, CQ = 5 MHz, and η = 0.3-0.4) with a shoulder at 40 ppm in the (27)Al MAS NMR spectrum. Dehydroxylation of (SiO)3AlOH occurs at mild temperatures and leads to the formation of AlFR Lewis sites tricoordinated to the zeolite framework. Al atoms of these (SiO)3Al Lewis sites exhibit an extremely broad (27)Al NMR resonance (δi ≈ 67 ppm, CQ ≈ 20 MHz, and η ≈ 0.1).

Structural diversity of solid dispersions of acetylsalicylic acid as seen by solid-state NMR.

Solid dispersions of active pharmaceutical ingredients are of increasing interest due to their versatile use. In the present study polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-metacrylamide] (pHPMA), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOx), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), each in three Mw, were used to demonstrate structural diversity of solid dispersions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was used as a model drug. Four distinct types of the solid dispersions of ASA were created using a freeze-drying method: (i) crystalline solid dispersions containing nanocrystalline ASA in a crystalline PEG matrix; (ii) amorphous glass suspensions with large ASA crystallites embedded in amorphous pHPMA; (iii) solid solutions with molecularly dispersed ASA in rigid amorphous PVP; and (iv) nanoheterogeneous solid solutions/suspensions containing nanosized ASA clusters dispersed in a semiflexible matrix of PEOx. The obtained structural data confirmed that the type of solid dispersion can be primarily controlled by the chemical constitutions of the applied polymers, while the molecular weight of the polymers had no detectable impact. The molecular structure of the prepared dispersions was characterized using solid-state NMR, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). By applying various (1)H-(13)C and (1)H-(1)H correlation experiments combined with T1((1)H) and T1ρ((1)H) relaxation data, the extent of the molecular mixing was determined over a wide range of distances, from intimate intermolecular contacts (0.1-0.5 nm) up to the phase-separated nanodomains reaching ca. 500 nm. Hydrogen-bond interactions between ASA and polymers were probed by the analysis of (13)C and (15)N CP/MAS NMR spectra combined with the measurements of (1)H-(15)N dipolar profiles. Overall potentialities and limitations of individual experimental techniques were thoroughly evaluated.

Biaxial Q-shearing of 27Al 3QMAS NMR spectra: insight into the structural disorder of framework aluminosilicates.

In this contribution, we present the application potentiality of biaxial Q-shearing of (27)Al 3QMAS NMR spectra in the analysis of structural defects of aluminium units in aluminosilicates. This study demonstrates that the combination of various shearing transformations of the recorded (27)Al 3QMAS NMR spectra enables an understanding of the broadening processes of the correlation signals of disordered framework aluminosilicates, for which a wide distribution of (27)Al MAS NMR chemical shifts and quadrupolar parameters (i.e., second-order quadrupolar splitting and quadrupole-induced chemical shifts) can be expected. By combining the suitably selected shearing transformation procedures, the mechanisms of the formation of local defects in aluminosilicate frameworks, including Al/Si substitution effects in the next-nearest neighbouring T-sites, variations in bond angles, and/or variations in the physicochemical nature of charge-balancing counter-ions, can be identified. The proposed procedure has been extensively tested on a range of model aluminosilicate materials (kyanite, γ-alumina, metakaolin, analcime, chabazite, natrolite, phillipsite, mordenite, zeolite A, and zeolite Y).

Biodegradable Covalently Crosslinked Poly[N-(2-Hydroxypropyl) Methacrylamide] Nanogels: Preparation and Physicochemical Properties.

Recently, suitably sized polymer-based nanogels containing functional groups for the binding of biologically active substances and ultimately degradable to products that can be removed by glomerular filtration have become extensively studied systems in the field of drug delivery. Herein, we designed and tailored the synthesis of hydrophilic and biodegradable poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide-co-N,N'-bis(acryloyl) cystamine-co-6-methacrylamidohexanoyl hydrazine] (PHPMA-BAC-BMH) nanogels. The facile and versatile dispersion polymerization enabled the preparation of nanogels with a diameter below 50 nm, which is the key parameter for efficient and selective passive tumor targeting. The effects of the N,N'-bis(acryloyl) cystamine crosslinker, polymerization composition, and medium including H2O/MetCel and H2O/EtCel on the particle size, particle size distribution, morphology, and polymerization kinetics and copolymer composition were investigated in detail. We demonstrated the formation of a 38 nm colloidally stable PHPMA-BAC-BMH nanogel with a core-shell structure that can be rapidly degraded in the presence of 10 mM glutathione solution under physiologic conditions. The nanogels were stable in an aqueous solution modeling the bloodstream; thus, these nanogels have the potential to become highly important carriers in the drug delivery of various molecules.

Soft Hydrogels with Double Porosity Modified with RGDS for Tissue Engineering.

This study develops and characterizes novel biodegradable soft hydrogels with dual porosity based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers cross-linked by hydrolytically degradable linkers. The structure and properties of the hydrogels are designed as scaffolds for tissue engineering and they are tested in vitro with model mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). Detailed morphological characterization confirms dual porosity suitable for cell growth and nutrient transport. The dual porosity of hydrogels slightly improves rMSCs proliferation compared to the hydrogel with uniform pores. In addition, the laminin coating supports the adhesion of rMSCs to the hydrogel surface. However, hydrogels modified by heptapeptide RGDSGGY significantly stimulate cell adhesion and growth. Moreover, the RGDS-modified hydrogels also affect the topology of proliferating rMSCs, ranging from single-cell to multicellular clusters. The 3D reconstruction of the hydrogels with cells obtained by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) confirms cell penetration into the inner structure of the hydrogel and its corresponding microstructure. The prepared biodegradable oligopeptide-modified hydrogels with dual porosity are suitable candidates for further in vivo evaluation in soft tissue regeneration.

How Photogenerated I2 Induces I-Rich Phase Formation in Lead Mixed Halide Perovskites.

Bandgap tunability of lead mixed halide perovskites (LMHPs) is a crucial characteristic for versatile optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, LMHPs show the formation of iodide-rich (I-rich) phase under illumination, which destabilizes the semiconductor bandgap and impedes their exploitation. Here, it is shown that how I2 , photogenerated upon charge carrier trapping at iodine interstitials in LMHPs, can promote the formation of I-rich phase. I2 can react with bromide (Br- ) in the perovskite to form a trihalide ion I2 Br- (Iδ- -Iδ+ -Brδ- ), whose negatively charged iodide (Iδ- ) can further exchange with another lattice Br- to form the I-rich phase. Importantly, it is observed that the effectiveness of the process is dependent on the overall stability of the crystalline perovskite structure. Therefore, the bandgap instability in LMHPs is governed by two factors, i.e., the density of native defects leading to I2 production and the Br- binding strength within the crystalline unit. Eventually, this study provides rules for the design of chemical composition in LMHPs to reach their full potential for optoelectronic devices.

Factor analysis of 27Al MAS NMR spectra for identifying nanocrystalline phases in amorphous geopolymers.

Nanostructured materials offer enhanced physicochemical properties because of the large interfacial area. Typically, geopolymers with specifically synthesized nanosized zeolites are a promising material for the sorption of pollutants. The structural characterization of these aluminosilicates, however, continues to be a challenge. To circumvent complications resulting from the amorphous character of the aluminosilicate matrix and from the low concentrations of nanosized crystallites, we have proposed a procedure based on factor analysis of (27)Al MAS NMR spectra. The capability of the proposed method was tested on geopolymers that exhibited various tendencies to crystallize (i) completely amorphous systems, (ii) X-ray amorphous systems with nanocrystalline phases, and (iii) highly crystalline systems. Although the recorded (27)Al MAS NMR spectra did not show visible differences between the amorphous systems (i) and the geopolymers with the nanocrystalline phase (ii), the applied factor analysis unambiguously distinguished these materials. The samples were separated into the well-defined clusters, and the systems with the evolving crystalline phase were identified even before any crystalline fraction was detected by X-ray powder diffraction. Reliability of the proposed procedure was verified by comparing it with (29)Si MAS NMR spectra. Factor analysis of (27)Al MAS NMR spectra thus has the ability to reveal spectroscopic features corresponding to the nanocrystalline phases. Because the measurement time of (27)Al MAS NMR spectra is significantly shorter than that of (29)Si MAS NMR data, the proposed procedure is particularly suitable for the analysis of large sets of specifically synthesized geopolymers in which the formation of the limited fractions of nanocrystalline phases is desired.