NMR background Flashcards
NMR spectroscopy records…
…the absorption of energy between quantised energy levels
How does nuclear spin arise?
From unpaired protons or neutrons in the nucleus
I
Spin quantum number
i.e. nuclear spin
What is the spin quantum number (I) for protons and neutrons?
I = 1/2
Odd number of protons and odd number of neutrons
Spin (I) = integer 1, 2, 3 etc
Even number of protons and odd number of neutrons
Spin (I) = 1/2 integer e.g. 13C
Odd number of protons and even number of neutrons
Spin (I) = 1/2 integer e.g. 19F
Why do paramagnetic compounds cause problems with NMRs?
Because the magnetic moment of an unpaired electron is nearly 1000x larger than that of nuclei
Additional magnetic field leads to large shifts
Effective relaxation mechanism leads to broad NMR signals
I = 0
NMR spectroscopy not possible
I = 1/2
These nuclei usually give good, easily interpretable results
I > 1/2
These nuclei often give broad signals - so generally problematic
When does a nucleus have both a magnetic and a quadrupole moment?
When I > 1/2
This is due to the non-spherical nature of the nucleus
Effect of quadrupole nuclei on NMR spectra
Broad lines due to rapid relaxation of nuclei
The energy levels involved in NMR spectroscopy arise from the interactions of nuclear spins with:
- The spectrometer magnetic field, B0
- The magnetic fields created by the electrons in the system (this is what leads to chemical shifts)
- The magnetic fields created by other NMR-active nuclei in the system
Gyromagnetic ratio
Gamma
Governs the strength of the NMR signal
Negative gyromagnetic ratio
Usually results in a negative NOE enhancement
Quadrupole moment
Q
The smaller the quadrupole moment, the better
What does a spinning nucleus possess?
Nuclear spin angular momentum (P)
Nuclear spin angular momentum
P
Can be quantised such that P = hbar x root[I(I+1)]
Where hbar = h/2pi and I = spin quantum number
Spinning nucleus
A nucleus is a charged body
Therefore a spinning nucleus generates an associated magnetic moment (nuclear magnetic moment, mu) which is a vector quantity
Vector quantity
A geometric object with magnitude and direction
Nuclear magnetic moment
Mu = gammaP
Where gamma = gyromagnetic ratio (a constant for each nuclide)
P = nuclear spin angular momentum
What does the sensitivity of detection of a nuclide depend on?
Gyromagnetic ratio
Large gyromagnetic ratio
Nuclei are easy to observe (sensitive)
e.g. 19F
Small gyromagnetic ratio
Nuclei are difficult to observe (insensitive)
e.g. 15N
Combining nuclear spin angular momentum and nuclear magnetic moment equations gives…
mu = gamma(hbar x root[I(I+1)])