UNIVERSIDAD SAN FRANCISCO DE QUITO QUMICA DE COMPUESTOS DE COORDINACIN Vctor Posligua 19609 11 03 11 Prof.

of. Csar Zambrano CONSULTA NMR RELAXATION TIME T1 The relaxation time T1 represents the "lifetime" of the first order rate process that returns the magnetization to the Boltzman equilibrium along the +Z axis. T1 relaxation time can be measured by various techniques describe in the table below. Name Inversion Recovery (IRFT) D1-180-tau-90-Acq {D1+Acq>5*T1} Pulse Sequence signal evolution vs T1

M(tau)/M0= 1-2*exp(tau/T1)

Progressive Saturation (PSFT) (preceded by dummy pulses) - D1-90Acq {tau=D1+Acq}

M(tau)/M0= 1-exp(tau/T1)

Saturating Comb (Mainly useful in solid) require: T2*<<T1

{n*90-t}-tau-90-Acq t: pulse spacing during Comb. :T2*< t <T1 tau: delay for magnetization recovery

M(tau)/M0= 1-exp(tau/T1)

After a delay of 1*T1, 63% of the magnetization is recovered along the +Z axis. To recover 99% of the magnetization a delay of 5*T1 need to be used.

The magnitude of the relaxation time depends highly on the type of nuclei (nuclei with spin 1/2 and low magnetogyric ratio have usually long relaxation time whereas nuclei with spin>1/2 have very short relaxation time) and on other factors like the physical state (solid or liquid state), on the viscosity of the solution, the temperature, etc, in other words the relaxation time depends on the motion of the molecule. The longitudinal relaxation process (T1) governs the time interval between 2 transients. If the interval between 2 transients is shorter that 5*T1, the accuracy of the integration might be questionable. If the interval between 2 pulses is shorter that 5*T1, as for obtaining routine NMR spectra, the pulse width must be adjusted to accommodate the different length of the relaxation process to obtain the best sensitivity for the NMR experiment. The length of the pulse that provides the best sensitivity for a given relaxation time is called the "Ernst angle". For example: if 1 sec. acquisition time is used, you can find below the best pulse angle to use for different relaxation time.

References: A. Abragam. Basic Concepts T1 Relaxation time. "Principles of Nuclear Magnetism" (Oxford University Press, 1961)