Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Structure and Coordination Determination of Peptide-metal Complexes Using 1D and 2D 1H NMR
Published on: December 16, 2013
A method for easily determining coupling constant values: an addendum to "A practical guide to first-order multiplet
1Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA. hoye@chem.umn.edu
Abstract:
A systematic procedure to decipher first-order 1H NMR multiplets is described. This method is a very practical tool for extracting coupling constant values. It requires only that one (a) learn to identify each of the 2n (n = number of spin 1/2 nuclei to which the proton is coupled) "units of intensity" of a multiplet and (b) then apply a clearly delineated sequence of iterative steps that allows the J's to be assigned in order (from smallest to largest). The approach is even easier to use than one described previously (J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 4096-4103).
Related Concept Videos
¹H NMR: Complex Splitting
Splitting diagrams or splitting tree diagrams are routinely used to depict such complex couplings. While drawing splitting diagrams, the splitting with the larger coupling constant is usually applied first.
¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must have a...
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...

