In a heterogeneous magnetic field, the freely precessing NMR signal (FID) describes a Gaussian curve. Processing the signal using a discrete method can give rise to components that do not correspond to a real physical state. However, with a continuous deconvolution method, which gives quite satisfactory quantitative results, it is possible to determine the distributions of relaxation times that correspond to intermediate states between solid and liquid phases. Time-dependent NMR can thus be used to supplement the usual analytical methods, such as DTA, DCA and sorption isotherms, for studying complex heterogeneous compounds.