Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Approach Research Articles

Opportunities and Challenges in Applying Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy in Organic Mechanochemistry.

In recent years it is shown that mechanochemical strategies can be beneficial in directed conversions of organic compounds. Finding new reactions proved difficult, and due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of mechanochemical reaction events, respective efforts have mostly remained empirical. Spectroscopic techniques are crucial in shedding light on these questions. In this overview, the opportunities and challenges of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in the field of organic mechanochemistry are discussed. After a brief discussion of the basics of high-resolution solid-state NMR under magic-angle spinning (MAS) conditions, seven opportunities for solid-state NMR in the field of organic mechanochemistry are presented, ranging from ex situ approaches to structurally elucidated reaction products obtained by milling to the potential and limitations of in situ solid-state NMR approaches. Particular strengths of solid-state NMR, for instance in differentiating polymorphs, in NMR-crystallographic structure-determination protocols, or in detecting weak noncovalent interactions in molecular-recognition events employing proton-detected solid-state NMR experiments at fast MAS frequencies, are discussed.

Exploring Structural Nuances in Germanium Halide Perovskites Using Solid-State 73Ge and 133Cs NMR Spectroscopy.

Metal halide perovskites remain top candidates for higher-performance photovoltaic devices, but concerns about leading lead-based materials remain. Ge perovskites remain understudied for use in solar cells compared to their Sn-based counterparts. In this work, we undertake a combined 73Ge and 133Cs solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) study of the bulk CsGeX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) series. We show how seemingly small structural variations within germanium halide perovskites have major effects on their 73Ge and 133Cs NMR signatures and reveal a near-cubic phase at room temperature for CsGeCl3 with severe local Ge polyhedral distortion. Quantum chemical computations are effective at predicting the structural impact on NMR parameters for 73Ge and 133Cs. This study demonstrates the value of a combined solid-state NMR and DFT approach for investigating promising materials for energy applications, providing information that is out of reach with conventional characterization methods, and adds the challenging 73Ge nucleus to the NMR toolkit.

Rapid Structural Analysis of Minute Quantities of Organic Solids by Exhausting 1H Polarization in Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy Under Fast Magic Angle Spinning.

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) often suffers from significant limitations due to the inherent low signal sensitivity when low-γ nuclei are involved. Herein, we report an elegant solid-state NMR approach for rapid structural analysis of minute amounts of organic solids. By encoding staggered chemical shift evolution in the indirect dimension and staggered acquisition in the 1H dimension, a proton-detected homonuclear 1H/1H and heteronuclear 13C/1H chemical shift correlation (HETCOR) spectrum can be obtained simultaneously in a single experiment at a fast magic-angle-spinning (MAS) condition with barely increasing the experimental time. We further show that during the conventional 1H-detected HETCOR experimental time, multiple homonuclear 1H/1H correlation spectra can be recorded in addition to the HETCOR spectrum, enabling the determination of 1H-1H distances. We establish that abundant 1H polarization can be efficiently manipulated and fully utilized in proton-detected solid-state NMR spectroscopy for extraction of more critical structural information and thus reduction of the total experimental time.

Surface Fingerprinting of Faceted Metal Oxides and Porous Zeolite Catalysts by Probe-Assisted Solid-State NMR Approaches.

Acid catalysis in heterogeneous systems such as metal oxides and porous zeolites has been widely involved in various catalytic processes for chemical and petrochemical industries. In acid-catalyzed reactions, the performance (e.g., activity and selectivity) is closely associated with the acidic features of the catalysts, viz., type (Lewis vs Brønsted acidity), distribution (external vs internal surface), strength (strong vs weak), concentration (amount), and spatial interactions of acidic sites. The characterization of local structure and acidic properties of these active sites has important implications for understanding the reaction mechanism and the practical catalytic applications of acidic catalysts. Among diverse acidity characterization approaches, the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) technique with suitable probe molecules has been recognized as a reliable and versatile tool. Such a probe-assisted SSNMR approach could provide qualitative (type, distribution, and spatial interactions) and quantitative (strength and concentration) information on each acidic site. This Account aims to integrate our recent important findings in determining the structures and acidic characteristics of some typical metal oxide and zeolite catalysts by using the probe-assisted SSNMR technique, as well as clarifying the continuously evolving process of each discrete acidic site under hydrothermal or chemical treatments even at the molecular level with multiscale theoretical simulations.More specifically, we will describe herein the development and applications of the probe-assisted SSNMR methods, such as trimethylphosphine (TMP) and acetonitrile-d3 (CD3CN) in conjunction with advanced two-dimensional (2D) homo- and heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy, for characterizing the structures and properties of acidic sites in varied solid catalysts. Moreover, relevant information regarding the surface fingerprinting of various facets on crystalline metal oxide nanoparticles and active centers inside porous zeolites, the mapping of relevant spatial interactions, and the verification of structure-activity correlation were investigated as well. Relevant discussions are mainly based on the recent NMR experiments of our collaborating research groups, including (i) determining the acidic characterization with probe-assisted SSNMR approaches, (ii) mapping various active centers (or crystalline facets), and (iii) revealing their influence on catalytic performance of solid acid catalyst systems. It is anticipated that this information may provide more in-depth insights toward our fundamental understanding of solid acid catalysis.

Carbon compositional analysis of hydrogel contact lenses by solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Contact lenses are worn by over 140 million people each year and tremendous research and development efforts contribute to the identification and selection of hydrogel components and production protocols to yield lenses optimized for chemical and physiological properties, eye health and comfort. The final molecular composition and extent of incorporation of different components in contact lenses is routinely estimated after lens production through the analysis of the soluble components that were not included in the lens, i.e. remaining starting materials. Examination of composition in the actual intact materials is always valued and can reveal details that are missed by only examining the non-incorporated components, for example identifying chemical changes to components in lenses during the production process. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the direct compositional analysis of insoluble and heterogeneous materials and is also uniquely suited to determining parameters of architecture in contact lenses. We utilized 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR to examine and compare the carbon composition of soft contact lenses. 13C NMR spectra of individual polymer components enabled the determination of the approximate molecular carbon contributions of major lens components. Comparisons of the conventional etafilcon A hydrogel (1 Day Acuvue MOIST) lenses and silicone hydrogel lenses (Acuvue Oasys, Dailies Total 1, Clariti 1 Day, Biofinity, and Pure Vision) revealed major spectral differences, with considerable variation even among different silicone hydrogel lenses. The solid-state NMR approach provides a direct spectral reporting of carbon types in the hydrogel lens itself. This approach represents a valuable complementary analysis to benefit contact lens research and development and could be extended to isotopically labeled hydrogel lenses to map proximities and architecture between hydrogel components.

Investigation of Dimethylammonium Solubility in MAPbBr3 Hybrid Perovskite: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Properties.

The possible existence of mixed methylammonium (MA)/dimethylammonium (DMA) lead bromide hybrid perovskites of general formula MA1- xDMA xPbBr3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was investigated. A combined X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance approach indicates that DMA can be incorporated up to about x = 0.30 while retaining the cubic lattice of MAPbBr3. By increasing the DMA content ( x), the absorption shows a progressive blue shift and the band gap moves from about 2.17 eV ( x = 0) to about 2.23 ( x = 0.30) with a concomitant slightly faster recombination in the mixed cation powders.

Insights into the functional group transformation of a chinese brown coal during slow pyrolysis by combining various experiments

The effects of heat treatment on the structural transformation of a Chinese brown coal were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR), and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The wide applicabilities of 13C dipolar-decoupling magic-angle-spinning (DDMAS), 1H MAS, 1H–1H homonulcear double-quantum (DQ) MAS and 1H–13C cross-polarization heteronuclear correlation (CP-HETCOR) SSNMR approaches that directly probed the proton and carbon spatial interactions within functional groups of Shengli (SL) brown coal char were tentatively demonstrated. Two distinct transformation intervals, as a function of pyrolysis temperature, were clarified in the SL brown coal char. The initial decomposition (at <300°C) of coal, with slight change in either functional groups or microstructures, may be caused by the loss of adsorbed gaseous materials and partial scission of weak bonds (such as methylene and ether bridges). Moreover, the progressive dehydrogenation and splitting off of side-chains at 400–700°C resulted in the drastically cracking of aliphatic groups. However, a significant amount of oxygen-containing functional groups were also found, such as heterocyclic, phenolic hydroxyl groups and crystalline hydrates. The thermal treatment was a crystallite-perfecting process, during which the fraction of the amorphous carbon in the coal chars, determined by Raman spectroscopy, was gradually decreased with increase in the heat-treatment temperature; however, the carbon crystallite size did not show any apparent change.

Solid-State NMR Approaches to Internal Dynamics of Proteins: From Picoseconds to Microseconds and Seconds

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has matured to the point that it is possible to determine the structure of proteins in immobilized states, such as within microcrystals or embedded in membranes. Currently, researchers continue to develop and apply NMR techniques that can deliver site-resolved dynamic information toward the goal of understanding protein function at the atomic scale. As a widely-used, natural approach, researchers have mostly measured longitudinal (T1) relaxation times, which, like in solution-state NMR, are sensitive to picosecond and nanosecond motions, and motionally averaged dipolar couplings, which provide an integral amplitude of all motions with a correlation time of up to a few microseconds. While overall Brownian tumbling in solution mostly precludes access to slower internal dynamics, dedicated solid-state NMR approaches are now emerging as powerful new options. In this Account, we give an overview of the classes of solid-state NMR experiments that have expanded the accessible range correlation times from microseconds to many milliseconds. The measurement of relaxation times in the rotating frame, T1ρ, now allows researchers to access the microsecond range. Using our recent theoretical work, researchers can now quantitatively analyze this data to distinguish relaxation due to chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) from that due to dipole-dipole couplings. Off-resonance irradiation allows researchers to extend the frequency range of such experiments. We have built multidimensional analogues of T2-type or line shape experiments using variants of the dipolar-chemical shift correlation (DIPSHIFT) experiment that are particularly suited to extract intermediate time scale motions in the millisecond range. In addition, we have continuously improved variants of exchange experiments, mostly relying on the recoupling of anisotropic interactions to address ultraslow motions in the ms to s ranges. The NH dipolar coupling offers a useful probe of local dynamics, especially with proton-depleted samples that suppress the adverse effect of strong proton dipolar couplings. We demonstrate how these techniques have provided a concise picture of the internal dynamics in a popular model system, the SH3 domain of α-spectrin. T1-based methods have shown that large-amplitude bond orientation fluctuations in the picosecond range and slower 10 ns low-amplitude motions coexist in these structures. When we include T1ρ data, we observe that many residues undergo low amplitude motions slower than 100 ns. On the millisecond to second scale, mostly localized but potentially cooperative motions occur. Comparing different exchange experiments, we found that terminal NH2 groups in side chains can even undergo a combination of ultraslow large-angle two-site jumps accompanied by small-angle fluctuations that occur 10 times more quickly.

Quantitation of Recombinant Protein in Whole Cells and Cell Extracts via Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Recombinant proteins (RPs) are commonly expressed in bacteria followed by solubilization and chromatography. Purified RP yield can be diminished by losses at any step with very different changes in methods that can improve the yield. Time and labor can therefore be saved by first identifying the specific reason for the low yield. This study describes a new solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance approach to RP quantitation in whole cells or cell extracts without solubilization or purification. The method is straightforward and inexpensive and requires only ∼50 mL culture and a low-field spectrometer.

High-field multinuclear solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and first principle calculations in MgSO4 polymorphs

A combination of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and first principles calculations was applied to obtain 17O, 25Mg, and 33S NMR parameters for two polymorphs of anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Working at the very high magnetic field of 21.14 T results in a dramatic improvement of resolution through a reduction of the effects of quadrupolar interactions and significant improvement in sensitivity. Experimental 25Mg and 33S spectra are dominated by quadrupolar interactions with quadrupolar parameters unique for each polymorph. In the case of 17O, there is a substantial contribution of the chemical shift anisotropy. The use of multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQMAS) experiments allows the resolution of distinct oxygen species and assignment of signals in the experimental 17O spectrum. Chemical shielding constants and quadrupolar parameters for all three nuclei were calculated using plane wave pseudopotential density functional theory as implemented in the CASTEP computational package. The calculated NMR parameters are in very good agreement with the experimental results and help in signal assignment of the 17O spectrum. The results suggest applicability of such a combined computational and experimental solid-state NMR approach for the refinement of crystallographic data.

Native Conformation at Specific Residues in Recombinant Inclusion Body Protein in Whole Cells Determined with Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Inclusion bodies are insoluble aggregates that are formed by bacteria to store excess recombinant protein produced during expression. The structure of the protein in inclusion bodies is poorly understood but it has been hypothesized that the protein may form misfolded beta sheet aggregates. This paper presents an isotopic labeling and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance approach to determine the secondary structure of individual residues within a recombinant influenza virus "FHA2" protein in inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies were studied either in the context of the unlysed hydrated E. coli cells or in the hydrated pellet formed from centrifugation of the material insoluble in the cell lysate. The native structure of FHA2 is predominantly helical and native helical structure was also observed for several specific residues in the inclusion body FHA2. This approach will be applicable to structural analysis of many inclusion body proteins and should provide useful information for optimizing solubilization and purification protocols of these proteins.

Interfaces Involving Biomolecules and Inorganic Materials: a Solid State NMR Approach

AbstractMaterials based on ureidopyrimidinone (UPY) dimers and Adenine (A) / Thymine (T) derivatives were synthesized and characterized by advanced solid state NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) techniques. Silylated UPY molecules were used as model compounds, leading to structured organic-inorganic materials after hydrolysis and condensation processes (sol-gel reactions). High resolution 1H solid state NMR has been extensively used for the in-depth description of the H-bond networks, including very fast MAS (Magic Angle Spinning) experiments at very high field and DQ (double quantum) recoupling experiments. The chemical nature of the organic-inorganic interface has been illuminated by such techniques. In, particular, it has been demonstrated that H-bond networks were preserved during sol-gel reactions and were comparable to those observed in the UPY crystalline precursors.

Towards structure determination of neurotoxin II bound to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a solid-state NMR approach

Solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has sufficient resolving power for full assignment of resonances and structure determination of immobilised biological samples as was recently shown for a small microcrystalline protein. In this work, we show that highly resolved spectra may be obtained from a system composed of a receptor–toxin complex. The NMR sample used for our studies consists of a membrane preparation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the electric organ of Torpedo californica which was incubated with uniformly 13C-,15N-labelled neurotoxin II. Despite the large size of the ligand–receptor complex (>290 kDa) and the high lipid content of the sample, we were able to detect and identify residues from the ligand. The comparison with solution NMR data of the free toxin indicates that its overall structure is very similar when bound to the receptor, but significant changes were observed for one isoleucine.

A Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Approach for Determining the Structure of Gramicidin a without Model Fitting

Recently, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods have been used with magnetically aligned samples to determine bond orientations with respect to the magnetic field in the backbone of polypeptides (1, 2). From the bond orientations the orientation of the planar peptide linkages can be determined. In these initial efforts the presence of a distorted a helix was inferred from the peptide linkage orientations and model-fitting the data (2). However, it is possible to take advantage of the tetrahedral geometry of the a carbon joining adjacent peptide linkage planes and steric considerations to determine the threedimensional structure without model-fitting. It has been shown that the ion-conducting channel conformation of Gramicidin A in a phospholipid bilayer can be magnetically aligned (3). While a structural model of this channel (4) has withstood many challenges over the last 14 years, it remains a model for which there is very little direct structural data. The model does not explain physical data such as the sequence specificity of ion conductance (5) and the location of a specific site for ion binding in the channel (6). To illustrate the solid state NMR approach for determining the structure of Gramicidin a priori, the NMR data has been predicted for a tripeptide sequence, -D Val8-L Trpg-D Leu10-, from the atomic coordinates of the structural model. The Val8-Trpg peptide linkage will be referred to as linkage A and the Trp9-Leulo linkage as B (see Fig. 1). The only NMR data used in this analysis are the N-H (N-H) and N-C1 (N-Cl) dipolar interactions predicted for the Gramicidin channel aligned such that the channel axis is parallel with the magnetic field as shown by Van Echteld et al.. The predicted values of the dipolar couplings, Av, were obtained from the following equation and the values are given in Table I.

Shape selectivity and carbon formation in zeolites

Recent developments on acidity characterization of solid acid catalysts, specifically those invoking 31P solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy using phosphorus-containing molecules as probes has been summarized. In particular, various 31P SSNMR approaches using trimethylphosphine (TMP), phosphines, diphosphines, and trialkylphosphine oxides (R3PO) will be introduced and their practical applications for characterization of important qualitative and quantitative features, viz. type, distribution, accessibility (location/proximity), concentration (amount), and strength of acid sites in various solid acids are illustrated. This is an updated version of the original review (Annu. Rep. NMR Spectr. 81 (2014) 47–108).