Reaction field of an oscillating electric dipole and solvent chemical shift

Abstract

The reaction field produced by oscillating dipoles resulting from the vibrational motions within a solute molecule is investigated as a possible cause of solvent chemical shifts in nuclear magnetic resonance. Theoretical equations are developed and tested by measuring the proton solvent shifts of dissolved hydrogen gas and the carbon-13 solvent shifts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The experimental observations agree with the theoretical calculations in magnitude and direction.