Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Published on: September 17, 2017
A simple method for measuring long-range 1H-13C coupling constants in organic molecules
Paloma Vidal1, Nuria Esturau, Teodor Parella
1Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Centro de Investigación Lilly, Avenida de la Industria 30, 28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain.
This study introduces a straightforward method for measuring long-range heteronuclear coupling constants. The technique utilizes satellite-selective 1D-TOCSY experiments to determine coupling values and signs between protons and carbons.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Measuring long-range heteronuclear coupling constants is crucial for structural elucidation in organic molecules.
- Conventional methods can be complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and efficient method for determining long-range heteronuclear coupling constants.
- To enable the determination of coupling signs between protons and proton-bearing carbons.
Main Methods:
- The study employs two 1D-Total Correlation Spectroscopy (TOCSY) experiments.
- Selective proton pulses are applied to low- and high-frequency 13C satellites of an isolated proton signal (Hi).
- Analysis of signal displacement in satellite-selective TOCSY spectra reveals coupling values and signs.
Main Results:
- A straightforward method for measuring long-range heteronuclear coupling constants (nJCH) was successfully established.
- The relative displacement of relayed proton signals in satellite-selective TOCSY spectra directly correlates with coupling values.
- The sense of signal displacement accurately indicates the sign of the coupling constants.
Conclusions:
- The presented method offers a simple and effective approach for quantifying long-range heteronuclear couplings.
- This technique facilitates the determination of both magnitude and sign of nJCH couplings.
- The method is valuable for detailed structural analysis of organic compounds.
Related Concept Videos
¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene π orbitals.
¹³C NMR: ¹H–¹³C Decoupling
A broadband decoupling technique is used to simplify these complex, sometimes overlapping, signals. Broadband decoupling relies on a...
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
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: 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...
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...

