Advances in understanding and use of NMR scalar couplings

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and two related parameters, chemical shifts and indirect spin-spin coupling constants, are essential in organic chemistry and biology. Nuclear magnetic resonance parameters of 1 H and 13 C, 19 F, 31 P, and 15 N are commonly used to characterize each newly obtained organic compound. Although indirect spin-spin coupling constants involving the above nuclei are well-known to chemists working in organic chemistry or biology, many other coupling constants remain somewhat exotic and are known only to specialists. This is the case for couplings involving heavy metals and transition metals, which covers the extreme range from a few hertz to nearly 900 kilohertz. The present review aims to bring the reader closer to the less known indirect spin-spin coupling constants. The overview gathers representative coupling constants involving both nuclei that have a quantum spin number of 1/2 and greater than 1/2 (quadrupolar nuclei), related to the elements Pt, Sn, Hg, Rh, Fe, W, Os, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Mo and Au.