Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
Efficient Batch-Mode Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization of Propane
Oleg G Salnikov1,2, Danila A Barskiy3, Aaron M Coffey3
1International Tomography Center, SB RAS, Insitutskaya Street 3A, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.
A new batch-mode parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) method efficiently hyperpolarizes propane for NMR imaging. This technique achieves record proton polarization levels, significantly improving contrast for potential pulmonary applications.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
- Hyperpolarization Techniques
- Catalysis and Chemical Reactions
Background:
- Nuclear spin polarization is crucial for enhancing NMR signal sensitivity.
- Parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) is a powerful technique for hyperpolarizing molecules.
- Efficient hyperpolarization of small molecules like propane is essential for advanced imaging applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and efficient method for NMR proton hyperpolarization of propane.
- To achieve record levels of proton polarization for propane using PHIP.
- To evaluate the potential of hyperpolarized propane as a contrast agent for pulmonary imaging.
Main Methods:
- Application of a batch-mode parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) technique.
- Homogeneous hydrogenation of propene using parahydrogen gas at elevated pressure (≈7.1 atm).
- Utilizing a catalyst-containing solution for the reaction.
Main Results:
- Achieved ≈6.2% proton polarization, a record for propane hyperpolarization.
- Used ≈80% parahydrogen in the process.
- Demonstrated a two-orders-of-magnitude increase in polarization compared to continuous-flow homogeneous PHIP.
- Showed 3-10 times greater efficiency than typical heterogeneous continuous-flow hydrogenations.
Conclusions:
- The developed batch-mode PHIP method offers a highly efficient approach for propane hyperpolarization.
- The achieved polarization levels significantly enhance the potential of hyperpolarized propane as an NMR contrast agent.
- This technique holds promise for improved pulmonary imaging applications.
Related Concept Videos
Conformations of Ethane and Propane
Staggered conformation is a low energy and more stable conformation with the C-H bonds on the front carbon placed at 60°dihedral angles relative to the C-H bonds on the back carbon, leading to a reduced torsional strain. In staggered...
¹³C NMR: Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT)
Regioselectivity of Electrophilic Additions-Peroxide Effect
Inductive Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
Radical Anti-Markovnikov Addition to Alkenes: Overview

