Spin-Spin Coupling

More help in interpreting NMR spectra

Easy starts
Once you have got your head around
Chemical shift Integrals

You can t help but notice that not all NMR spectra are as simple as this one of methanol

Methanol
Methanol only has one carbon. You need two carbons for coupling So both the peaks here are SINGLET peaks.

What is coupling?
The frequency at which a proton interacts with the radio wave can be influenced by the protons on neighbouring carbon atoms.
The normal singlet peak gets split into; A DOUBLET A TRIPLET A QUARTET Depending on how many protons are on the next carbon.

Doublets
Here the protons on the second carbon are influenced by the proton on the first. In the sample used about half the protons will be with the field and about half will be against. Hence the DOUBLET

Triplets
If we look at the proton on the first carbon. It will be influenced by the two H s on the second The interaction is a little more complex, giving a triplet with a ratio of 1:2:1

Quartets
In a Quartet the protons on one carbon couple with three protons on the next, e.g. a CH3 group. The peak is split into four with a ratio of 1:3:3:1
Look at the ethanol spectra

Quartets
Ha Br Ha-C--C-Hb Ha Br Look at the spectrum for Hb It is split into four by the three carbons next to it (n+1) uuu all with uuv uvu vuu two with uvv vuv vvu one with vvv all against

Summary
Hydrogens on the next carbon

N +1 peaks 1 2 3 4
NB

Ratio 1 1:1 1:2:1 1:3:3:1

Pascal s Triangle

Type Singlet Doublet Triplet Quartet

0 1 2 3

A little extra help

Hydrogen atoms interact with radio waves because they have an odd mass number, i.e. one. There is an isotope of hydrogen that has a mass number of two, Deuterium. A Deuterium nucleus has a proton and a neutron.
2 1

H P

It has no NMR signature, so it is invisible on an NMR spectrum. Big Deal

Quartets
In a Quartet the protons on one carbon couple with three protons on the next, e.g. a CH3 group. The peak is split into four with a ratio of 1:3:3:1
Look at the ethanol spectra

Task
Describe spin spin coupling in terms of spin states of adjoining protons Create a copy of the splitting patterns table and define the n + 1 rule Draw a worked example of an NMR spectra and explain the the order and type of signal produced. Describe the issues of identifiing OH and NH protons Describe the process using Heavy water to identify the OH and NH protons Attempt questions 1 and 2 on page 93