Variable-temperature NMR Research Articles

Synthesis and Solid-State Dynamics of a Crystalline Steroid Molecular Rotor without the Alkyne Axle: Steroid Dimers Based on a 1,4-Di(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)benzene Moiety.

Two diastereomeric crystalline steroid dimers were obtained by acid-catalyzed double acetalization of (20S)-5α-pregnan-3β,16β,20-triol 3-monoacetate with terephtalaldehyde. These compounds were characterized by NMR in solution, MS, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and variable-temperature solid-state NMR by 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS). While the phenylene rotator in the SR diastereomer remains static even at 373 K, the RR isomer shows a slow rotational process of the phenylene ring at temperatures above room temperature and thus may be considered the first crystalline steroid molecular rotor without the alkyne axle.

Total synthesis of selaginellin S

The total synthesis of selaginellin S, isolated from Selaginella pulvinata, was achieved via a concise route including Diels-Alder reaction and dehydrogenative aromatization. The NMR analysis of the synthetic compound confirmed the structure of natural selaginellin S. Although the natural compound was reported to have an axial chirality, the absence of the axial chirality of selaginellin S at ambient temperature was suggested from lineshape changes in variable temperature NMR experiments with the pivaloyl derivative of the synthetic compound.

Stabilisation of [WF5 ]+ and WF5 by Pyridine: Facile Access to [WF5 (NC5 H5 )3 ]+ and WF5 (NC5 H5 )2.

The enhanced reactivity of [WF5 ]+ over WF6 has been exploited to access a neutral derivative of elusive WF5 . The reaction of WF6 (NC5 H5 )2 with [(CH3 )3 Si(NC5 H5 )][O3 SCF3 ] in CH2 Cl2 results in quantitative formation of trigonal-dodecahedral [WF5 (NC5 H5 )3 ]+ , which has been characterised as its [O3 SCF3 ]- salt by Raman spectroscopy in the solid state and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy in solution. The salt is susceptible to slow decomposition in solution at ambient temperature via dissociation of a pyridyl ligand, and the resultant [WF5 (NC5 H5 )2 ]+ is reduced to WF5 (NC5 H5 )2 in the presence of excess C5 H5 N, as determined by 19 F NMR spectroscopy. Pentagonal-bipyramidal WF5 (NC5 H5 )2 was isolated and characterised by X-ray crystallography and Raman spectroscopy in the solid state, representing the first unambiguously characterised WF5 adduct, as well as the first heptacoordinate adduct of a transition-metal pentafluoride. DFT-B3LYP methods have been used to investigate the reduction of [WF5 (NC5 H5 )2 ]+ to WF5 (NC5 H5 )2 , supporting a two-electron reduction of WVI to WIV by nucleophilic attack and diprotonation of a pyridyl ligand in the presence of free C5 H5 N, followed by comproportionation to WV .

Dimerization of Acetic Acid in the Gas Phase-NMR Experiments and Quantum-Chemical Calculations.

Due to the nature of the carboxylic group, acetic acid can serve as both a donor and acceptor of a hydrogen bond. Gaseous acetic acid is known to form cyclic dimers with two strong hydrogen bonds. However, trimeric and various oligomeric structures have also been hypothesized to exist in both the gas and liquid phases of acetic acid. In this work, a combination of gas-phase NMR experiments and advanced computational approaches were employed in order to validate the basic dimerization model of gaseous acetic acid. The gas-phase experiments performed in a glass tube revealed interactions of acetic acid with the glass surface. On the other hand, variable-temperature and variable-pressure NMR parameters obtained for acetic acid in a polymer insert provided thermodynamic parameters that were in excellent agreement with the MP2 (the second order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory) and CCSD(T) (coupled cluster with single, double and perturbative triple excitation) calculations based on the basic dimerization model. A slight disparity between the theoretical dimerization model and the experimental data was revealed only at low temperatures. This observation might indicate the presence of other, entropically disfavored, supramolecular structures at low temperatures.

Effect of Temperature on 1H NMR Spectra, Antitrypanosomal Activity, Conformational Analysis, and Molecular Docking of Curine Derivatives from Berberis brevissima.

The ethanolic root extract of Berberis brevissima afforded a new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, 13-nitrochondrofoline (2), and two known bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, chondrofoline (1) and curine (4). The acetylation of chondrofoline (1) gave O-acetylchondrofoline (3). The dimeric structures of 1 and 2 were studied through variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy at 25, 40, 60, and 80 °C and conformational analysis, using density functional theory employing the M06-2X functional and the 6-31G* basis set. The in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 against Trypanosoma brucei showed significant potential with MIC values of 2.6, 2.2, 2.3, and 3.8 μM, respectively. Molecular docking evaluation of alkaloids 1, 2, 3, and 4 against known T.brucei protein targets revealed T.brucei phosphodiesterase B1 to be the preferred target. The docking energies of the alkaloids with Tb6PGL (PDB 3EB9) ranged from -88.8 to -106.0 kJ/mol and was comparable to the cocrystallized ligand, citrate (Edock = -78.3 kJ/mol). It seems reasonable that the curine alkaloids may compete with the natural substrates for these protein targets and serve as leads in designing and developing more potent and selective drugs against T.brucei.

Synthesis, X‐Ray Structures, and Fluxional Properties of Symmetrical, Asymmetrical Binuclear and Cubane Type Copper(I) Complexes Bearing the Pyrrole‐Based P, N‐Hetero Donor Ligand

AbstractThe 1 : 1 reaction between 2‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)‐5‐(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole L and CuX (X=Cl, and Br) in THF afforded the symmetrical binuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu(μ‐X){μ‐C4H2NH‐2‐(CH2PPh2)‐5‐(CH2Me2pz)‐κ2P,N}]2, having one type of copper environment. When X=I, the asymmetrical complex having two copper environments was isolated, in addition to the symmetrical complex as crystals. Interestingly, the 1 : 2 ratio reaction between L and CuCl gave a distorted cubane type complex [Cu4Cl4{μ‐C4H2NH‐2‐(CH2PPh2)‐5‐(CH2Me2pz)‐κ2P,N}2], while the CuBr and CuI reactions did not give similar cubane complexes. Conversely, the 2 : 1 (L : Cu) ratio reactions using CuX (X=Cl, Br and I) in THF suggest the formation of four coordinate bis‐chelated copper(I) complex of the type [CuL2]+ in solution, in addition to the binuclear complexes. The X‐ray solid state structures of [CuL2X2] (X=Br and I) are retained in solution, in contrast to its chloride derivative giving two signals in 31P{1H} NMR spectrum. The formation of the binuclear complexes from [CuL2]+ and their equilibria were shown by variable temperature NMR, 31P{1H} 2D NOESY and HRMS studies. In addition, the reaction of L with [Cu(CH3CN)4]BF4 gave yet another binuclear complex [Cu2L2][BF4]2 which was characterized by spectroscopic methods. This study lends support for the hemilability of L.

Tricoordinate Coinage Metal Complexes with a Redox-Active Tris-(Ferrocenyl)triazine Backbone Feature Triazine-Metal Interactions.

2,4,6‐Tris(1‐diphenylphosphanyl‐1’‐ferrocenylene)‐1,3,5‐triazine (1) coordinates all three coinage metal(I) ions in a 1:1 tridentate coordination mode. The C3‐symmetric coordination in both solid state and solution is stabilised by an uncommon cation–π interaction between the triazine core and the metal cation. Intramolecular dynamic behaviour was observed by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy. The borane adduct of 1, 1BH3, displays four accessible oxidation states, suggesting complexes of 1 to be intriguing candidates for redox‐switchable catalysis. Complexes 1Cu, 1Ag, and 1Au display a more complicated electrochemical behaviour, and the electrochemical mechanism was studied by temperature‐resolved UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry and chemical oxidation.

Some Applications of a Field Programmable Gate Array Based Time-Domain Spectrometer for NMR Relaxation and NMR Cryoporometry

NMR Relaxation (NMRR) is an extremely useful quantitative technique for material science, particularly for studying polymers and porous materials. NMR Cryoporometry (NMRC) is a powerful technique for the measurement of pore-size distributions and total porosities. This paper discusses the use, capabilities and application of a newly available compact NMR time-domain relaxation spectrometer, the Lab-Tools Mk3 NMR Relaxometer & Cryoporometer [Lab-Tools (nano-science), Ramsgate, Kent, UK (2019)]. Being Field Programmable Gate Array based means that it is unusually compact, which makes it particularly suitable for the lab bench-top, in the field and also mobile use. Its use with a variable-temperature NMR probe such as the Lab-Tools Peltier thermo-electrically cooled variable-temperature (V-T) probe is also discussed. This enables the NMRC measurement of pore-size distributions in porous materials, from sub-nano- to over 1 micron sized pores. These techniques are suitable for a wide range of porous materials and also polymers. This instrument comes with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for control, which also enables both online and offline analysis of the measured data. This makes it is easy to use for material science studies both in the field and in university, research institute, company and even school laboratories. The Peltier cooling gives the precision temperature control and smoothness needed by NMR Cryoporometry, particularly near the probe liquid bulk melting point. Results from example NMR Relaxation and NMR Cryoporometric measurements are given.

Hydrogen Bonding in a l-Glutamine-Based Polyamidoamino Acid and its pH-Dependent Self-Ordered Coil Conformation.

This paper reports on synthesis, acid–base properties, and self-structuring in water of a chiral polyamidoamino acid, M-l-Gln, obtained from the polyaddition of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide with l-glutamine, with the potential of establishing hydrogen bonds through its prim-amide pendants. The M-l-Gln showed pH-responsive circular dichroism spectra, revealing ordered conformations. Structuring was nearly insensitive to ionic strength but sensitive to denaturing agents. The NMR diffusion studies were consistent with a population of unimolecular nanoparticles thus excluding aggregation. The M-l-Gln had the highest molecular weight and hydrodynamic radius among all polyamidoamino acids described. Possibly, transient hydrogen bonds between l-glutamine molecules and M-l-Gln growing chains facilitated the polyaddition reaction. Theoretical modeling showed that M-l-Gln assumed pH-dependent self-ordered coil conformations with main chain transoid arrangements reminiscent of the protein hairpin motif owing to intramolecular dipole moments and hydrogen bonds. The latter were most numerous at the isoelectric point (pH 4.5), where they mainly involved even topologically distant main chain amide N–H and side chain amide C=O brought to proximity by structuring. Hydrogen bonds at pH 4.5 were also suggested by variable temperature NMR. The 2D NOESY experiments at pH 4.5 confirmed the formation of compact structures through the analysis of the main chain/side chain hydrogen contacts, in line with MD simulations.

Oxyaapa: A Picolinate-Based Ligand with Five Oxygen Donors that Strongly Chelates Lanthanides.

Coordination compounds of the lanthanide ions (Ln3+) have important applications in medicine due to their photophysical, magnetic, and nuclear properties. To effectively use the Ln3+ ions for these applications, chelators that stably bind them in vivo are required to prevent toxic side effects that arise from localization of these ions in off-target tissue. In this study, two new picolinate-containing chelators, a heptadentate ligand OxyMepa and a nonadentate ligand Oxyaapa, were prepared, and their coordination chemistries with Ln3+ ions were thoroughly investigated to evaluate their suitability for use in medicine. Protonation constants of these chelators and stability constants for their Ln3+ complexes were evaluated. Both ligands exhibit a thermodynamic preference for small Ln3+ ions. The log KLuL = 12.21 and 21.49 for OxyMepa and Oxyaapa, respectively, indicating that the nonadentate Oxyaapa forms complexes of significantly higher stability than the heptadentate OxyMepa. X-ray crystal structures of the Lu3+ complexes were obtained, revealing that Oxyaapa saturates the coordination sphere of Lu3+, whereas OxyMepa leaves an additional open coordination site for a bound water ligand. Solution structural studies carried out with NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of two possible conformations for these ligands upon Ln3+ binding. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to probe the geometries and energies of these conformations. Energy differences obtained by DFT are small but consistent with experimental data. The photophysical properties of the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes were characterized, revealing modest photoluminescent quantum yields of <2%. Luminescence lifetime measurements were carried out in H2O and D2O, showing that the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes of OxyMepa have two inner-sphere water ligands, whereas the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes of Oxyaapa have zero. Lastly, variable-temperature 17O NMR spectroscopy was performed for the Gd-OxyMepa complex to determine its water exchange rate constant of kex298 = (2.8 ± 0.1) × 106 s-1. Collectively, this comprehensive characterization of these Ln3+ chelators provides valuable insight for their potential use in medicine and garners additional understanding of ligand design strategies.

Solid-State Dynamics and High-Pressure Studies of a Supramolecular Spiral Gear.

The structures and solid-state dynamics of the supramolecular salts of the general formula [(12-crown-4)2 ⋅DABCOH2 ](X)2 (where DABCO=1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, X=BF4 , ClO4 ) have been investigated as a function of temperature (from 100 to 360 K) and pressure (up to 3.4 GPa), through the combination of variable-temperature and variable-pressure XRD techniques and variable-temperature solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The two salts are isomorphous and crystallize in the enantiomeric space groups P32 21 and P31 21 . All building blocks composing the supramolecular complex display dynamic processes at ambient temperature and pressure. It has been demonstrated that the motion of the crown ethers is maintained on lowering the temperature (down to 100 K) or on increasing the pressure (up to 1.5 GPa) thanks to the correlation between neighboring molecules, which mesh and rotate in a concerted manner similar to spiral gears. Above 1.55 GPa, a collapse-type transition to a lower-symmetry ordered structure, not attainable at a temperature of 100 K, takes place, proving, thus, that the pressure acts as the means to couple and decouple the gears. The relationship between temperature and pressure effects on molecular motion in the solid state has also been discussed.

Design, synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of mixed N- and O-donor Schiff base ligands (N2O3): Crystal structures of free ligands

Five Schiff base ligands containing the same bridging spacer group but differing in the substituents on the phenyl ring were synthesised and fully characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Three of these ligands are new and all have been synthesised by an improved, optimised method. The 1H NMR spectra of these ligands were shown to differ from that of their N-donor counterparts (ON3O-type ligands) as confirmed by the systematic use of two-dimensional and variable temperature NMR measurements. The effect of the added substituents were monitored via IR analysis of the ligands and showed that the methoxy substituted ligand, L2 resulted in the highest wavenumber shift of the imine signal whilst the naphthylaldehyde ligand, L3 was observed to cause the lowest wavenumber shift. The crystal structures of four of these ligands showed differing low energy conformations and in addition to all other analytical data confirms the structural analysis of these ligands. All ligands show intramolecular hydrogen bonding while two of the ligands show intermolecular hydrogen bonding as seen in their packing diagrams. Interestingly, the ligand with the naphthylaldehyde group, L3, underwent tautomerism and the quinoid form of the ligand is reported here.

Tuning Biradical Character to Enable High and Balanced Ambipolar Charge Transport in a Quinoidal π-System.

Herein, two bis(dicyanomethylene)-substituted quinoidal molecules QBDT and QTBDT-3H were designed and synthesized to explore the open-shell effect on tuning the charge transport behavior of organic π-functional materials. The biradical character of QTBDT-3H was confirmed by DFT calculation, variable-temperature NMR, electron spin resonance (ESR), and superconducting quantum-interfering device (SQUID). The open-shell character enables QTBDT-3H an ambipolar characteristic under ambient conditions with highly balanced electron and hole mobilities of 0.32 and 0.16 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively.

Insights into Substrate Self-Assisted Activation of Allylic Alcohols Guiding to Mild Allylic Substitution of Tautomerizable Heteroarenes

A substrate self-assisted activation of allylic alcohols by tautomerizable heteroarenes via hydrogen bonding was disclosed by various NMR techniques, including variable-temperature 1H NMR, Job plot, and 1H NMR titration. Guided by these finding, a much milder allylic substitution of tautomerizable heteroarenes with allylic alcohols was developed, affording the target products in high yields.

Synthesis and Systematic Structural Analysis of Cationic Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Chalcogenocarbonyl Complexes.

Although the chemistry of transition-metal complexes with carbonyl (CO) and thiocarbonyl (CS) ligands has been well developed, their heavier analogues, namely selenocarbonyl (CSe) and tellurocarbonyl (CTe) complexes remain scarce. The limited availability of such CSe and CTe complexes has so far hampered our understanding of the differences between such chalcogenocarbonyl (CE: E=O, S, Se, Te) ligands. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of a series of cationic half-sandwich ruthenium CE complexes of the type [CpRu(CE)(H2 IMes)(CNCH2 Ts)][BArF 4 ] (Cp=η5 -C5 H5 - ; H2 IMes=1,3-dimesitylimidazolin-2-ylidene; ArF =3,5-(CF3 )2 C6 H3 ). A combination of X-ray diffraction analyses, NMR spectroscopic analyses, and DFT calculations revealed an increasing π-accepting ability of the CE ligands in the order O<S<Se<Te. A variable-temperature NMR analysis of the thus obtained chiral-at-metal CE complexes indicated high stereochemical stability.

Tin(II) Aminothiolate and Tin(IV) Aminothiolate Selenide Compounds as Single-Source Precursors for Tin Chalcogenide Materials.

Tin aminothiolate compounds SnII(dmampS)2 (1) and SnIV(dmampS)2Se (2), where dmampS = 1-(dimethylamino)-2-methylpropane-2-thiolate, were synthesized. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 reveal a seesaw and distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry, respectively. The 1H NMR spectrum of 1 shows two types of resonances for the methyl groups of the α-carbon, methyl groups of the amino groups, and methylene groups at room temperature. On the other hand, the 1H NMR spectrum of 2 exhibits a single resonance for each of these groups. According to variable-temperature 1H NMR analysis, each of these two types of resonances occurring at relatively low temperatures (under 223 K for 1 and under 333 K for 2) are merged as a single resonance with increasing temperature. By using thermogravimetric and thermal decomposition analyses, the residual materials of compounds 1 and 2 are confirmed to be SnS and SnSSe, respectively. Compound 1 was subjected to a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process, which allowed for the deposition of a dense and well-faceted orthorhombic phase SnS thin film on a SiO2/Si substrate with ∼200 nm thickness.

Dynamics of Cation-Induced Conformational Changes in Nanometer-Sized Uranyl Peroxide Clusters.

Conformational changes of the pyrophosphate (Pp)-functionalized uranyl peroxide nanocluster [(UO2)24(O2)24(P2O7)12]48- ({U24Pp12}), dissolved as a Li/Na salt, can be induced by the titration of alkali cations into solution. The most symmetric conformer of the molecule has idealized octahedral (Oh) molecular symmetry. One-dimensional 31P NMR experiments provide direct evidence that both K+ and Rb+ ions trigger an Oh-to-D4h conformational change within {U24Pp12}. Variable-temperature 31P NMR experiments conducted on partially titrated {U24Pp12} systems show an effect on the rates; increased activation enthalpy and entropy for the D4h-to-Oh transition is observed in the presence of Rb+ compared to K+. Two-dimensional, exchange spectroscopy 31P NMR revealed that magnetization transfer links chemically unique Pp bridges that are present in the D4h conformation and that this magnetization transfer occurs via a conformational rearrangement mechanism as the bridges interconvert between two symmetries. The interconversion is triggered by the departure and reentry of K (or Rb) cations out of and into the cavity of the cluster. This rearrangement allows Pp bridges to interconvert without the need to break bonds. Cs ions exhibit unique interactions with {U24Pp12} clusters and cause only minor changes in the solution 31P NMR signatures, suggesting that Oh symmetry is conserved. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the mixed Li/Na/Cs salt adopts D2h molecular symmetry, implying that while solvated, this cluster is in equilibrium with a more symmetric form. These results highlight the unusually flexible nature of the actinide-based {U24Pp12} and its sensitivity to countercations in solution.

A General Pathway to Heterobimetallic Triple‐Decker Complexes

A systematic study on the reactivity of the triple‐decker complex [(Cp’’’Co)2(μ,η4:η4‐C7H8)] (A) (Cp’’’=1,2,4‐tritertbutyl‐cyclopentadienyl) towards sandwich complexes containing cyclo‐P3, cyclo‐P4, and cyclo‐P5 ligands under mild conditions is presented. The heterobimetallic triple‐decker sandwich complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ,η5:η4‐P5)] (1) and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ,η3:η3‐P3)] (3) (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) were synthesized and fully characterized. In solution, these complexes exhibit a unique fluxional behavior, which was investigated by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. The dynamic processes can be blocked by coordination to {W(CO)5} fragments, leading to the complexes [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ3,η5:η4:η1‐P5){W(CO)5}] (2 a), [(Cp*Fe)(Cp’’’Co)(μ4,η5:η4:η1:η1‐P5){(W(CO)5)2}] (2 b), and [(Cp’’’Co)(Cp’’’Ni)(μ3,η3:η2:η1‐P3){W(CO)5}] (4), respectively. The thermolysis of 3 leads to the tetrahedrane complex [(Cp’’’Ni)2(μ,η2:η2‐P2)] (5). All compounds were fully characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.

Tautomerism of Guanine Analogues.

Tautomerism of nucleic acid (NA) bases is a crucial factor for the maintenance and translation of genetic information in organisms. Only canonical tautomers of NA bases can form hydrogen-bonded complexes with their natural counterparts. On the other hand, rare tautomers of nucleobases have been proposed to be involved in processes catalysed by NA enzymes. Isocytosine, which can be considered as a structural fragment of guanine, is known to have two stable tautomers both in solution and solid states. The tautomer equilibrium of isocytosine contrasts with the remarkable stability of the canonical tautomer of guanine. This paper investigates the factors contributing to the stability of the canonical tautomer of guanine by a combination of NMR experiments and theoretical calculations. The electronic effects of substituents on the stability of the rare tautomers of isocytosine and guanine derivatives are studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Selected derivatives are studied by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy. Rare tautomers can be stabilised in solution by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions with suitable partners. These intermolecular interactions give rise to characteristic signals in proton NMR spectra, which make it possible to undoubtedly confirm the presence of a rare tautomer.

Variable Temperature and Pressure Operando MAS NMR for Catalysis Science and Related Materials.

The characterization of catalytic materials under working conditions is of paramount importance for a realistic depiction and comprehensive understanding of the system. Under such relevant environments, catalysts often exhibit properties or reactivity not observed under standard spectroscopic conditions. Fulfilling such harsh environments as high temperature and pressure is a particular challenge for solid-state NMR where samples spin several thousand times a second within a strong magnetic field. To address concerns about the disparities between spectroscopic environments and operando conditions, novel MAS NMR technology has been developed that enables the probing of catalytic systems over a wide range of pressures, temperatures, and chemical environments. In this Account, new efforts to overcome the technical challenges in the development of operando and in situ MAS NMR will be briefly outlined. Emphasis will be placed on exploring the unique chemical regimes that take advantage of the new developments. With the progress achieved, it is possible to interrogate both structure and dynamics of the environments surrounding various nuclear constituents (1H, 13C, 23Na, 27Al, etc.), as well as assess time-resolved interactions and transformations.Operando and in situ NMR enables the direct observation of chemical components and their interactions with active sites (such as Brønsted acid sites on zeolites) to reveal the nature of the active center under catalytic conditions. Further, mixtures of such constituents can also be assessed to reveal the transformation of the active site when side products, such as water, are generated. These interactions are observed across a range of temperatures (-10 to 230 °C) and pressures (vacuum to 100 bar) for both vapor and condensed phase analysis. When coupled with 2D NMR, computational modeling, or both, specific binding modes are identified where the adsorbed state provides distinct signatures. In addition to vapor phase chemical environments, gaseous environments can be introduced and controlled over a wide range of pressures to support catalytic studies that require H2, CO, CO2, etc. Mixtures of three phases may also be employed. Such reactions can be monitored in situ to reveal the transformation of the substrates, active sites, intermediates, and products over the course of the study. Further, coupling of operando NMR with isotopic labeling schemes reveals specific mechanistic insights otherwise unavailable. Examples of these strategies will be outlined to reveal important fundamental insights on working catalyst systems possible only under operando conditions. Extension of operando MAS NMR to study the solid-electrolyte interface and solvation structures associated with energy storage systems and biomedical systems will also be presented to highlight the versatility of this powerful technique.