Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy
Beyond H-1 and C-13: We analyze a wide range of NMR-active nuclei for comprehensive molecular characterization.
Our broadband and specialized NMR probes enable analysis of phosphorus, fluorine, silicon, boron, nitrogen, and many other heteroatoms. Whether you're working with organophosphorus compounds, fluorinated pharmaceuticals, silicones, or organometallic complexes, we have the expertise and instrumentation to provide detailed structural information.
Why Multinuclear NMR?
Unique Information from Different Nuclei
While H-1 and C-13 NMR provide the foundation for structure determination, other NMR-active nuclei offer:
- Direct detection - Observe heteroatoms directly rather than inferring from H/C
- Simplified spectra - Often fewer signals and simpler interpretation
- Chemical environment - Highly sensitive to electronic and steric effects
- Oxidation states - Distinguish different forms (e.g., P(III) vs P(V))
- Coordination chemistry - Track metal-ligand interactions
- Polymer characterization - Unique insights into silicones, fluoropolymers
Featured NMR-Active Nuclei (Dedicated Pages)
Click on any nucleus below for detailed information about applications, chemical shift ranges, and technical considerations:
P-31 NMR (Phosphorus-31)
Natural abundance: 100% (only stable isotope)
Relative sensitivity: 6.6% of H-1
Common applications:
- Organophosphorus compounds
- Phosphine ligands and catalysts
- Phosphate esters and biochemicals
- Phosphonates and phosphonic acids
- Flame retardants
Chemical shift range: -500 to +250 ppm (very wide!)
F-19 NMR (Fluorine-19)
Natural abundance: 100% (only stable isotope)
Relative sensitivity: 83% of H-1
Common applications:
- Fluorinated pharmaceuticals
- Agrochemicals and pesticides
- Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF)
- Perfluorinated compounds (PFAS)
- Fluorine-containing building blocks
Chemical shift range: -300 to +300 ppm
Si-29 NMR (Silicon-29)
Natural abundance: 4.7%
Relative sensitivity: 0.04% of H-1
Common applications:
- Silicones and siloxanes (PDMS)
- Silyl protecting groups (TMS, TIPS, TBS)
- Sol-gel materials
- Silicate chemistry
- Organosilicon compounds
Chemical shift range: -200 to +50 ppm
Note: Q/T/D/M notation for siloxane structures
B-11 NMR (Boron-11)
Natural abundance: 80.1%
Relative sensitivity: 13% of H-1
Common applications:
- Boronic acids and esters
- Borates and boron-oxygen compounds
- Carboranes and metalloboranes
- Boron-containing pharmaceuticals
- Boron nitride materials
Chemical shift range: -150 to +100 ppm
Note: Quadrupolar nucleus (can have broad peaks)
Additional NMR-Active Nuclei We Can Analyze
Our broadband NMR probe can be tuned to many other nuclei. Below are some commonly requested examples:
N-15 NMR (Nitrogen-15)
Natural abundance: 0.37% (very low!)
Relative sensitivity: 0.001% of H-1
Applications:
- Amino acids and peptides
- Nitrogen heterocycles
- Isotope labeling studies
- Nitro compounds
Chemical shift range: -400 to +1000 ppm
Note: Often requires N-15 enrichment due to low natural abundance
B-10 NMR (Boron-10)
Natural abundance: 19.9%
Relative sensitivity: 2% of H-1
Applications:
- Boron cluster compounds
- Enriched boron materials
- Complementary to B-11 NMR
Chemical shift range: -150 to +100 ppm
Note: Strongly quadrupolar (broader peaks than B-11)
V-51 NMR (Vanadium-51)
Natural abundance: 99.75%
Relative sensitivity: 38% of H-1
Applications:
- Vanadium catalysts
- Vanadates and polyvanadates
- Oxidation state determination
- Vanadium coordination complexes
Chemical shift range: -2000 to +1000 ppm
Sn-119 NMR (Tin-119)
Natural abundance: 8.6%
Relative sensitivity: 4.5% of H-1
Applications:
- Organotin compounds
- Tin catalysts (e.g., Sn(Oct)₂)
- PVC stabilizers
- Stannanes
Chemical shift range: -600 to +500 ppm
O-17 NMR (Oxygen-17)
Natural abundance: 0.037% (very low!)
Relative sensitivity: 0.0001% of H-1
Applications:
- Water and ice structure
- Isotope labeling studies
- Metal-oxygen bonds
- Oxygen exchange mechanisms
Chemical shift range: -100 to +1200 ppm
Note: Usually requires O-17 enrichment
Li-7 NMR (Lithium-7)
Natural abundance: 92.4%
Relative sensitivity: 27% of H-1
Applications:
- Lithium reagents (LDA, n-BuLi)
- Lithium salts and electrolytes
- Battery materials research
- Organolithium compounds
Chemical shift range: -10 to +10 ppm
Understanding NMR Nucleus Properties
What Makes a Nucleus NMR-Active?
For a nucleus to be observable by NMR, it must have a non-zero nuclear spin (I):
- I = 1/2: Best for NMR (sharp peaks) - H-1, C-13, F-19, P-31, Si-29
- I > 1/2: Quadrupolar nuclei (broader peaks) - B-11, N-14, O-17, V-51
- I = 0: Not NMR-active - C-12, O-16, S-32
Key Properties Affecting NMR Analysis
1. Natural Abundance
How much of this isotope exists in nature:
- 100%: H-1, F-19, P-31 → Strong signals, easy to detect
- 1-20%: C-13 (1.1%), B-11 (80%), Si-29 (4.7%) → Moderate signals
- <1%: N-15 (0.37%), O-17 (0.037%) → Weak signals, may need enrichment
2. Relative Sensitivity
Signal strength compared to H-1 NMR:
- High (>10%): F-19 (83%), P-31 (6.6%) → Fast acquisition
- Moderate (1-10%): B-11 (13%), V-51 (38%) → Reasonable acquisition time
- Low (<1%): C-13 (0.016%), Si-29 (0.04%) → Longer acquisition, more sample
3. Chemical Shift Range
How spread out the signals are:
- Very wide: P-31 (-500 to +250 ppm) → Great for differentiation
- Wide: F-19 (-300 to +300 ppm), C-13 (0-220 ppm)
- Narrow: H-1 (0-15 ppm), Li-7 (-10 to +10 ppm)
| Nucleus | Natural Abundance | Sensitivity vs H-1 | Dedicated Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1 | 99.98% | 100% (reference) | H-1 NMR → |
| C-13 | 1.1% | 0.016% | C-13 NMR → |
| F-19 | 100% | 83% | F-19 NMR → |
| P-31 | 100% | 6.6% | P-31 NMR → |
| Si-29 | 4.7% | 0.04% | Si-29 NMR → |
| B-11 | 80.1% | 13% | B-11 NMR → |
| N-15 | 0.37% | 0.001% | Contact us |
| V-51 | 99.75% | 38% | Contact us |
| Sn-119 | 8.6% | 4.5% | Contact us |
General Sample Requirements
Sample requirements vary by nucleus based on sensitivity and natural abundance:
High-Sensitivity Nuclei (F-19, P-31, B-11, V-51):
- Amount: 10-50 mg typically sufficient
- Acquisition time: Similar to H-1 NMR
- Concentration: 10-30 mM
Moderate-Sensitivity Nuclei (Si-29, Sn-119):
- Amount: 50-100+ mg recommended
- Acquisition time: Similar to C-13 NMR if concentrated, most require overnight run
- Concentration: 20-50 mM preferred
Low-Sensitivity Nuclei (N-15, O-17):
- Amount: 50-100+ mg or isotopic enrichment
- Acquisition time: Several hours to overnight
- Concentration: As high as solubility allows
- Isotopically Labeled: Isotopically labeled samples are best
Contact us to discuss specific requirements for your nucleus of interest.
Don't See Your Nucleus Listed?
We Can Likely Help!
Our broadband NMR probe can be tuned to a wide range of nuclei beyond those listed here. If you need analysis of:
- Metals (Al-27, Pt-195, Cd-113, Hg-199, etc.)
- Halogens (Cl-35/37, Br-79/81, I-127)
- Other main group elements (Se-77, Ge-73, Sb-121, etc.)
- Isotopically labeled compounds
Contact us to discuss your specific needs. We have experience with many NMR-active nuclei and can provide expert guidance on feasibility, sample requirements, and expected results.
Ready for Multinuclear NMR Analysis?
Submit your samples for expert heteroatom NMR spectroscopy
Submit a Sample Request a Quote
Phone: (858) 793-6057 | Email: NuMegaLab@NuMegaLabs.com
Related NMR Services
NMR Overview
Our instruments & capabilities
H-1 NMR
Routine proton NMR
C-13 NMR
Carbon skeleton analysis
2D NMR
Complete structure elucidation