Disentangling scalar coupling patterns by real-time SERF NMR

Abstract

Scalar coupling constants and signal splitting patterns in NMR spectra contain a wealth of short-range structural information. The extraction of these parameters from ¹H NMR spectra is often prohibited by simultaneous scalar coupling interactions with several other protons. Here we present a high-resolution NMR experiment where scalar coupling to only one selected signal is visible. All other couplings are removed from the spectrum. This real-time selectively refocused NMR experiment is achieved by spatially selective homonuclear broadband decoupling combined with selective refocusing during acquisition. It allows the unperturbed extraction of scalar coupling constants from the highly resolved acquisition dimension of NMR spectra.