Related Concept Videos

Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)01:20

Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)

Two NMR-active nuclei bonded to a central atom can be involved in geminal or two-bond coupling. Geminal coupling is commonly seen between diastereotopic protons in chiral molecules and unsymmetrical alkenes, among others.
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...
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation01:16

Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation

Thermal cycloadditions are reactions where the source of activation energy needed to initiate the reaction is provided in the form of heat. A typical example of a thermally-allowed cycloaddition is the Diels–Alder reaction, which is a [4 + 2] cycloaddition. In contrast, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition is thermally forbidden.
¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling01:27

¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling

The coupling interactions of nuclei across four or more bonds are usually weak, with J values less than 1 Hz. While these are usually not observed in spectra, the presence of multiple bonds along the coupling pathway can result in observable 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.
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation01:12

Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation

Some cycloaddition reactions are activated by heat, while others are initiated by light. For example, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition between two ethylene molecules occurs only in the presence of light. It is photochemically allowed but thermally forbidden.
Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)01:22

Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)

Vicinal or three-bond coupling is commonly observed between protons attached to adjacent carbons. Here, nuclear spin information is primarily transferred via electron spin interactions between adjacent C‑H bond orbitals. This generally favors the antiparallel arrangement of spins, so 3J values are usually positive.
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...
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH301:11

ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3

All ortho–para directors, excluding halogens, are activating groups. These groups donate electrons to the ring, making the ring carbons electron-rich. Consequently, the reactivity of the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution increases. For instance, the nitration of anisole is about 10,000 times faster than the nitration of benzene. The electron-donating effect of the methoxy group in anisole activates the ortho and para positions on the ring and stabilizes the corresponding...