DFT study of the NMR properties of xenon in covalent compounds and van der waals complexes-implications for the use of 129Xe as a molecular probe

The NMR properties (chemical shift and spin-spin coupling constants) of (129)Xe in covalent compounds and weakly bound complexes have been investigated by DFT methods including relativistic effects. For covalent species, a good agreement between experimental and calculated results is achieved without scalar relativistic effects, but their inclusion (with a triple-zeta, double-polarization basis set) leads to some improvement in the quality of the correlation. The spin-orbit coupling term has a significant effect on the shielding constant, but makes a small contribution to the chemical shift. Coupling constants contain substantial contributions from the Fermi contact and paramagnetic spin-orbit terms; unlike light nuclei the spin-dipole term is also large, whereas the diamagnetic spin-orbit term is negligible. For van der Waals dimers, the dependence of the xenon chemical shift and anisotropy is calculated as a function of the distance. Small (<1 Hz) but non-negligible through-space coupling constants between (129)Xe and (13)C or (1)H are predicted. Much larger couplings, of the order of few Hz, are calculated between xenon and (17)O in a model silicate residue.     

Hydroxymethyl group conformation in saccharides: structural dependencies of (2)J(HH), (3)J(HH), and (1)J(CH) spin-spin coupling constants

Experimental and theoretical methods have been used to correlate (2)J(HH) and (3)J(HH) values within the exocyclic hydroxymethyl groups (CH(2)OH) of saccharides with specific molecular parameters, and new equations are proposed to assist in the structural interpretation of these couplings. (3)J(HH) depends mainly on the C-C torsion angle (omega) as expected, and new Karplus equations derived from J-couplings computed from density functional theory (DFT) in a model aldopyranosyl ring are in excellent agreement with experimental values and with couplings predicted from a previously reported general Karplus equation. These results confirm the reliability of DFT-calculated (1)H-(1)H couplings in saccharides. (2)J(HH) values depend on both the C-C (omega) and C-O (theta) torsions. Knowledge of the former, which may be derived from other parameters (e.g., (3)J(HH)), allows theta to be evaluated indirectly from (2)J(HH). This latter approach complements more direct determinations of theta from (3)J(HCOH) and potentially extends these more conventional analyses to O-substituted systems lacking the hydroxyl proton. (1)J(CH) values within hydroxymethyl fragments were also examined and found to depend on r(CH), which is modulated by specific bond orientation and stereoelectronic factors. These latter factors could be largely, but not completely, accounted for by C-C and C-O torsional variables, leading to only semiquantitative treatments of these couplings (details discussed in the Supporting Information). New equations pertaining to (2)J(HH) and (3)J(HH) have been applied to the analysis of hydroxymethyl group J-couplings in several mono- and oligosaccharides, yielding information on C5-C6 and/or C6-O6 rotamer populations.     

"Through-space" nuclear spin-spin J(PP) coupling in tetraphosphine ferrocenyl derivatives: a (31)P NMR and X-ray structure correlation study for coordination complexes

Herein, we report on (31)P(31)P solution-phase "through-space" nuclear spin-spin coupling constants (J(PP)) from a novel family of organometallic tetraphosphine nickel and palladium complexes. These J(PP) constants were accurately determined through NMR iterative simulation based on the second-order spectra obtained for the compounds. The corresponding solid-state X-ray structures of the complexes were determined, and the "through-space" P.P distances are reported. Due to the blocked conformation of the species in solution, a qualitative and semiquantitative experimental correlation is obtained, which links the geometric parameters and the intensity of the corresponding P.P coupling constant. The lone-pair overlap theory developed for (19)F(19)F and (15)N(19)F "through-space" couplings in organic compounds [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1973, 95, 7747-7752; 2000, 122, 4108-4116] appears to be a reliable foundation on which to account for our results. Based on the reported observations, the lone-pair overlap model is extended to "through-space" (31)P(31)P coupling, and the model is broadened to encompass metal orbital contributions for coordination complexes. Some of the predictions and consequences of the proposed theory are discussed.     

(13)C-(1)H and (13)C-(13)C NMR J-couplings in (13)C-labeled N-acetyl-neuraminic acid: correlations with molecular structure

N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac, 2) was prepared enzymatically containing single sites of (13)C-enrichment at C1, C2, and C3. Aqueous solutions of the three (13)C isotopomers were studied by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy at p(2)H 2 and pH 8 to obtain J(CH) and J(CC) values involving the labeled carbons. Experimental studies were complemented by DFT calculations of the same set of J-couplings in protonated and ionized structural mimics of 2 to determine how well theoretical predictions match the experimental findings in saccharides bearing ionizable functionality. Results show that: (a) (2)J(C2,H3ax/eq) values in 2 depend on anomeric configuration, thus complementing (3)J(C1,H3ax/eq) behavior, (b) J(CH) and J(CC) values involving C2 depend on anomeric configuration, the C1-C2 bond torsion, and solution pH, and (c) long-range (4)J(C2,H7) is sensitive to glycerol side-chain conformation. Intraring J(HH) and most (2)J(CH), (3)J(CH), (2)J(CC), and (3)J(CC) involving C1-C3 of 2 appear largely unaffected by the ionization state of the carboxyl group. In vacuo and solvated DFT calculations of geminal and vicinal J(CH) and J(CC) values are similar and reproduce the experimental data well, but better agreement with experiment was observed for (1)J(C1,C2) in the solvated calculations. The present work provides new information for future treatments of trans-glycoside couplings involving Neu5Ac residues by (a) providing new standard values of intraring J(CC) for coupling pathways that mimic those for trans-glycoside J(CC), (b) identifying potential effects of solution pH on trans-glycoside couplings inferred through the behavior of related intraring couplings, and (c) providing specific guidelines for more reliable DFT predictions of J(CH) and J(CC) values in ionizable saccharides.     

The effect of spin-orbit coupling on fast neutral chemical reaction O(3P)+CH3-->CH3O

The effect of nonadiabatic transitions through the spin-orbit couplings has been investigated on the fast neutral reaction, O((3)P)+CH(3)-->CH(3)O. Adiabatic potential energies and the spin-orbit coupling terms have been evaluated for the four electronic states of CH(3)O ((2)E, (2)A(2), (4)E, and (4)A(2)) that correlate with the O((3)P)+CH(3) asymptote, as a function of CO distance and OCH angle under the C(3v) symmetry, by ab initio electronic structure calculations using multireference internally contracted single and double excitation configuration interaction method with the 6-311G(2df,2pd) basis sets. Multistate quantum reactive scattering calculations have been carried out with the use of thus obtained potential energies and spin-orbit coupling matrices, based on the generalized R-matrix propagation method. The calculated thermal rate constants show a slight positive dependence on temperature in a range between 50 and 2000 K, supporting the previous experimental results. It is shown that the spin-orbit coupled excited states give rise to reflections over the centrifugal barrier due to the quantum interference. Classical capture calculations yield larger rate constants due to the neglect of quantum reflections. It is concluded that the effect of nonadiabatic transitions is of minor importance on the overall reactivity in this reaction.     

Suppression of phase and amplitude J(HH) modulations in HSQC experiments

The amplitude and the phase of cross peaks in conventional 2D HSQC experiments are modulated by both proton–proton, J(HH), and proton–carbon, ¹J(CH), coupling constants. It is shown by spectral simulation and experimentally that J(HH) interferences are suppressed in a novel perfect‐HSQC pulse scheme that incorporates perfect‐echo INEPT periods. The improved 2D spectra afford pure in‐phase cross peaks with respect to ¹J(CH) and J(HH), irrespective of the experiment delay optimization. In addition, peak volumes are not attenuated by the influence of J(HH), rendering practical issues such as phase correction, multiplet analysis, and signal integration more appropriate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stereochemical dependence of 3JCH coupling constants in 2-substituted 4-t-butyl-cyclohexanone and their alcohol derivatives

Theoretical and experimental studies on (3)J(C2H6eq) NMR spin-spin coupling constants in both the 2-X-4-t-butyl-cyclohexanone (X = H, CH(3), F, Cl, and Br) and in their alcohol derivatives series are reported. Results thus found are rationalized in terms of the transmission of the Fermi contact contribution to such couplings. To this end, dependencies of (3)J(C2H6eq) couplings versus the C(2)-C(1)-C(6) angle are compared in both series for equatorial and axial X orientations. The main trend is described in terms of the rear lobes interaction. Besides, for X = halogen atom in equatorial orientation a rather strong interaction between oxygen and halogen lone pairs is observed, and its influence on (3)J(C2H6eq) couplings is discussed and rationalized in terms of different Fermi contact transmission pathways.     

A 1H NMR and theoretical investigation of the conformations of some monosubstituted cyclobutanes

The complete analysis of the complex (1)H NMR spectra of some monosubstituted cyclobutanes was achieved to give all the (1)H chemical shifts and (n)J(HH) (n = 2, 3 and 4) coupling constants in these molecules. The substituent chemical shifts of the substituents in the cyclobutane ring differ significantly from those in acyclic systems. For example, the OH and the NH(2) groups in cyclobutanol and cyclobutylamine produce a large shielding of the hydrogens of the opposite CH(2) group of the ring compared with little effect on the comparable methylene protons of butane. These effects and the other (1)H shifts in the cyclobutanes were modelled successfully in the CHARGE program. The RMS error (calculated vs observed shifts) for the 34 (1)H shifts recorded was 0.053 ppm. The conformational equilibrium in these compounds between the axial and the equatorial conformers was obtained by comparing the observed and the calculated (4)J(HH) couplings. These couplings in cyclobutanes, in contrast to the corresponding (3)J(HH) couplings, show a pronounced orientation dependence; (4)J(eq-eq) is ca 5 Hz and (4)J(ax-ax) ca 0 Hz. The couplings in the individual conformers were calculated at the B3LYP/EPR-III level. The conformer energy differences ΔG(ax-eq) vary from 1.1 kcal mol(-1) for OH to 0.2 kcal mol(-1) for the CH(2)OH substituent. The values of the conformer energy differences are compared with the previous IR data and the corresponding theoretical values from molecular mechanics (MM) and DFT theory. Generally, good agreement is observed although both the MM and the DFT calculations deviate significantly from the observed values for some substituents.     

Structure and NMR spectra of some [2.2]paracyclophanes. The dilemma of [2.2]paracyclophane symmetry

Density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations of the structure and NMR parameters for highly strained hydrocarbon [2.2]paracyclophane 1 and its three derivatives are presented. The calculated NMR parameters are compared with the experimental ones. By least-squares fitting of the (1)H spectra, almost all J(HH) coupling constants could be obtained with high accuracy. Theoretical vicinal J(HH) couplings in the aliphatic bridges, calculated using different basis sets (6-311G(d,p), and Huz-IV) reproduce the experimental values with essentially the same root-mean-square (rms) error of about 1.3 Hz, regardless of the basis set used. These discrepancies could be in part due to a considerable impact of rovibrational effects on the observed J(HH) couplings, since the latter show a measurable dependence on temperature. Because of the lasting literature controversies concerning the symmetry of parent compound 1, D(2h) versus D(2), a critical analysis of the relevant literature data is carried out. The symmetry issue is prone to confusion because, according to some literature claims, the two hypothetical enantiomeric D(2) structures of 1 could be separated by a very low energy barrier that would explain the occurrence of rovibrational effects on the observed vicinal J(HH) couplings. However, the D(2h) symmetry of 1 with a flat energy minimum could also account for these effects.     

Exchange coupling mediated through-bonds and through-space in conformationally constrained polyradical scaffolds: calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradicals and diradical

Calix[4]arenes constrained to the 1,3-alternate conformation and functionalized at the upper rim with four and two tert-butylnitroxides have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance (EPR and (1)H NMR) spectroscopy, and magnetic studies. The 1,3-alternate nitroxide tetraradical and diradical provide unique polyradical scaffolds for dissection of the through-bond and through-space intramolecular exchange couplings. In addition, detailed magnetic studies of the previously reported calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradical, which possesses cone conformation in solution, reveal conformational dependence of exchange coupling. Through-bond coupling between the adjacent nitroxide radicals is mediated by the nitroxide-m-phenylene-CH(2)-m-phenylene-nitroxide coupling pathway, and through-space coupling is found between the diagonal nitroxide radicals at the conformationally constrained N...N distance of 5-6 A. Magnetic studies of the calix[4]arene polyradical scaffolds in frozen solutions show that the through-bond exchange coupling in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical is antiferromagnetic, while that in cone calix[4]arene tetraradical is ferromagnetic. The through-space exchange couplings are antiferromagnetic in both cone and 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical, as well as in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene diradical. The exchange coupling constants (|J/k|) are of the order of 1 K.     

Vicinal fluorine-fluorine coupling constants: Fourier analysis

Stereochemical dependences of vicinal fluorine-fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance coupling constants (3JFF) have been studied with the multiconfigurational self-consistent field in the restricted active space approach, with the second-order polarization propagator approximation (SOPPA), and with density functional theory. The SOPPA results show the best overall agreement with experimental couplings. The relationship with the dihedral angle between the coupled fluorines has been studied by Fourier analysis, the result is very different from that of proton-proton couplings. The Fourier coefficients do not resemble those of a typical Karplus equation. The four nonrelativistic contributions to the coupling constants of 1,2-difluoroethane configurations have been studied separately showing that up to six Fourier coefficients are required to reproduce the calculated values satisfactorily. Comparison with Fourier coefficients for matching hydrogen fluoride dimer configurations suggests that the higher order Fourier coefficients (Cn> or =3) originate mainly from through-space Fermi contact interaction. The through-space interaction is the main reason 3JFF do not follow the Karplus equation.     

Observation of CH⋅⋅⋅π Interactions between Methyl and Carbonyl Groups in Proteins

Protein structure and function is dependent on myriad noncovalent interactions. Direct detection and characterization of these weak interactions in large biomolecules, such as proteins, is experimentally challenging. Herein, we report the first observation and measurement of long-range “through-space” scalar couplings between methyl and backbone carbonyl groups in proteins. These J couplings are indicative of the presence of noncovalent C−H⋅⋅⋅π hydrogen-bond-like interactions involving the amide π network. Experimentally detected scalar couplings were corroborated by a natural bond orbital analysis, which revealed the orbital nature of the interaction and the origins of the through-space J couplings. The experimental observation of this type of CH⋅⋅⋅π interaction adds a new dimension to the study of protein structure, function, and dynamics by NMR spectroscopy.     

On the unusual 2J(C2-H(f)) coupling dependence on syn/anti CHO conformation in 5-X-furan-2-carboxaldehydes

A remarkable difference for (2)J(C(2)-H(f)) coupling constant in syn and anti conformers of 5-X-furan-2-carboxaldehydes (X = CH(3), Ph, NO(2), Br) and a rationalization of this difference are reported. On the basis of the current knowledge of the Fermi-contact term transmission, a rather unusual dual-coupling pathway in the syn conformer is presented. The additional coupling pathway resembles somewhat that of the J(H-H) in homoallylic couplings, which are transmitted by hyperconjugative interactions involving the pi(C=C) electronic system. The homoallylic coupling pathway can be labeled as sigma*(C-H) <-- pi(C=C) --> sigma*(C-H). In the present case, this additional coupling pathway, using an analogous notation, can be labeled as sigma*(C(2)-C(C)) <-- LP(1)(O(1))...LP(2)(O(C)) --> sigma*(C(C)-H(f)) (sigma*(C(2)-C(C))) where O(1) and O(C) stand for the ring and carbonyl O atoms, respectively. This additional coupling pathway is not activated in the anti conformers since both oxygen lone pairs do not overlap.     

Theoretical studies of nuclear magnetic resonance parameters for the proton-exchange pathways in porphyrin and porphycene

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters in porphyrin and porphycene have been calculated to investigate their changes during the process of proton exchange, using density-functional theory (DFT) for both the spin-spin coupling constants and the shielding constants. In addition, in calculations on the smaller 1,3-bis(arylimino)isoindoline molecule, we have tested the performance of our computational approach against experimental data. The calculated nuclear spin-spin coupling constants and shielding constants have been analyzed as functions of the progress of the proton transfer between two nitrogen atoms. The one-bond couplings between proton and nitrogen, dominated by the Fermi-contact term, decay steeply as the internuclear distance increases. The small changes in the intramolecular J(HH) coupling between two inner protons are mainly determined by the sum of relatively large spin-orbit terms. The isotropic shielding constant shows a strong deshielding of the nitrogen nuclei as the proton migrates away. Both the isotropic shielding of the exchanged protons and the shielding anisotropy exhibit a minimum close to the transition states.     

A phosphine-mediated through-space exchange coupling pathway for unpaired electrons in a heterobimetallic lanthanide-transition metal complex

The reaction of P(CH2OH)3 with methyl anthranilate NH2C6H4-2-CO2Me produced the ligand precursor P(CH2NHC6H4-2-CO2Me)3 (1). The reaction of 1 with [Y{N(SiMe3)2}3] produced hexadentate yttrium complex [Y{P(CH2NC6H4-2-CO2Me)3}] (2), in which the metal centre is coordinated by three amido donors and the three carbonyl oxygen atoms of the ester groups. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum features 1J Y,P=15 Hz, and DFT calculations demonstrate that through-space interaction between the minor lobe of the phosphine lone pair and the yttrium centre allows a large Fermi contact contribution to this spin coupling constant. The EPR spectrum of the analogous paramagnetic Gd complex [Gd{P(CH2NC6H4-2-CO2Me)3}] (3) can be modelled by using a B20 crystal field parameter of +/-0.19 cm(-1). Heterodinuclear complexes were prepared by the reactions of 1 and 3 with [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)porphinato]cobalt(II), by binding of the phosphine lone pair to the d(7) cobalt centre. The solid-state EPR spectrum of the heterodinuclear yttrium complex 4 exhibits large superhyperfine coupling to the phosphorus nucleus, indicative of an S=1/2 complex in which the unpaired electron resides in the cobalt dz2 orbital directed at the phosphine donor. The magnetic susceptibility of the heterodinuclear Gd-Co complex 5 demonstrates that through-space antiferromagnetic coupling occurs between unpaired electrons on the gadolinium and cobalt centres.     

Spin-spin coupling tensors in fluoromethanes

All spin-spin coupling tensors J of the fluoromethanes CH3F, CH2F2, and CHF3 are obtained theoretically by multiconfiguration self-consistent field linear response (MCSCF LR) ab initio calculations. Furthermore the principal values and the orientation of the principal axis systems of each theoretical J tensor are specified. Experimental liquid crystal NMR (LC NMR) data on the tensorial properties of the CF spin spin coupling in CH3F and CH2F2, and the FF spin-spin coupling in CHF3 are also reported. In the analysis of the experiments, the contributions from molecular vibrations, as well as that of the correlation of vibrational and rotational motion to the experimental anisotropic couplings, D(exp), are taken into account. The information of the anisotropic indirect coupling, 1/2J(aniso), is detected as the difference between D(exp) and the calculated dipolar coupling, D(calc). The extracted indirect contributions, 1/2J(aniso), are in fair agreement with the ab initio results. All relative (experimental and theoretical) CF and FF indirect contributions, 1/2J(aniso)/D(exp), are negative and under 1.7% in magnitude, when the observed molecular orientations are used. Therefore, in the one bond CF couplings and in the two bond FF couplings, the indirect contribution can normally be ignored without introducing serious error to the determination of molecular orientation and/or structure. However, a more accurate method is to partially correct for the indirect contribution by utilising the transferability of the spin-spin coupling tensors in related molecules. This is due to the fact that even small contributions may be significant, if the order parameter of the internuclear direction is negligibly small, leading to dominating indirect contributions. The very good agreement of the experimental values with the calculated coupling constants and the reasonable agreement in the anisotropic properties, which are experimentally much more difficult to define, indicates that the MCSCF LR method is capable of producing reliable J tensors for these systems, contrary to the case of density-functional theory.     

Mechanism of a strongly anisotropic MoIII-CN-MnII spin-spin coupling in molecular magnets based on the [Mo(CN)(7)](4-) heptacyanometalate: a new strategy for single-molecule magnets with high blocking temperatures

Unusual spin coupling between Mo(III) and Mn(II) cyano-bridged ions in bimetallic molecular magnets based on the [Mo(III)(CN)(7)](4-) heptacyanometalate is analyzed in terms of the superexchange theory. Due to the orbital degeneracy and strong spin-orbit coupling on Mo(III), the ground state of the pentagonal-bipyramidal [Mo(III)(CN)(7)](4-) complex corresponds to an anisotropic Kramers doublet. Using a specially adapted kinetic exchange model we have shown that the Mo(III)-CN-Mn(II) superexchange interaction is extremely anisotropic: it is described by an Ising-like spin Hamiltonian JS(z)(Mo) S(z)(Mn) for the apical pairs and by the J(z)S(z)(Mo) S(z)(Mn) + J(xy)(Sx(Mo) Sx(Mn) + Sy(Mo) Sy(Mn)) spin Hamiltonian for the equatorial pairs (in the latter case J(z) and J(xy) can have opposite signs). This anisotropy resulted from an interplay of several Ising-like (Sz(Mo) Sz(Mn)) and isotropic (S(Mo)S(Mn)) ferro- and antiferromagnetic contributions originating from metal-to-metal electron transfers through the pi and sigma orbitals of the cyano bridges. The Mo(III)-CN-Mn(II) exchange anisotropy is distinct from the anisotropy of the g-tensor of [Mo(III)(CN)(7)](4-); moreover, there is no correlation between the exchange anisotropy and g-tensor anisotropy. We indicate that highly anisotropic spin-spin couplings (such as the Ising-like JS(z)(Mo) S(z)(Mn)) combined with large exchange parameters represent a very important source of the global magnetic anisotropy of polyatomic molecular magnetic clusters. Since the total spin of such clusters is no longer a good quantum number, the spin spectrum pattern can differ considerably from the conventional scheme described by the zero-field splitting of the isotropic spin of the ground state. As a result, the spin reorientation barrier of the magnetic cluster may be considerably larger. This finding opens a new way in the strategy of designing single-molecule magnets (SMM) with unusually high blocking temperatures. The use of orbitally degenerate complexes with a strong spin-orbit coupling (such as [Mo(III)(CN)(7)](4-) or its 5d analogues) as building blocks is therefore very promising for these purposes.     

A graphical tool for the prediction of vicinal proton-proton 3J(HH) coupling constants

The easy to use and free available graphical tool MestRe-J, developed for Win-32 platforms, calculates the vicinal proton-proton coupling constants 3J(HH) from the torsion angle phi between the coupled protons for the two kinds of generalized Karplus equations developed by Altona's group as well as for equations from other authors. Besides the classical Haasnoot-de Leeuw-Altona equations, including individual substituent effects that depend on their relative Huggins's electronegativities Deltachi, the program incorporates the more recent and precise Díez-Altona-Donders equations. The substituent effects in these equations, that include effects of interactions between substituents, depend on substituent parameters lambda optimized from the 3J(HH) couplings to methyl groups. Weighted time-averaged couplings can be calculated. The equations for 3J(HH) can be solved to provide the torsion angles phi.     

Understanding the conformational dependence of spin-spin coupling constants: through-bond and through-space J(31P,31P) coupling in tetraphosphane-1,4-diides [M(L)x]2[P4R4

The characteristic dependence of J(31P,31P) spin-spin coupling constants of alkali metal tetraphosphane-1,4-diides on structure and composition has been analyzed by density functional methods. The computations confirm that the structure of the contact ion pairs is conserved in solution. Calculations on model systems M2P4H4, on naked P4H4(2-) anions, and on models including point charges, show that the role of the cations is mainly structural and to a smaller extent electrostatic. Three of the four J(P,P) coupling constants depend characteristically on the conformation of the anion, which in turn is determined by the substituents R and by cation-anion interactions. Several couplings exhibit a large through-space component and are thus strongly dependent on the relative orientation of nonbonding electron pairs on the phosphorus atoms involved. This is shown by visualization of coupling pathways using the recently introduced coupling energy density (CED), in combination with the electron localization function (ELF).