CHEM352 Reading Guide Sections 16.7-16.

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Chapter 16 Learning Objectives: 2, 9-10
End of Chapter Problems: 37, 41, 47
Section 16.7 discusses the multiplicity (shape) of the signal this tells us how many protons are next to the
protons responsible for the signal most commonly we will be talking about neighboring protons on an
adjacent/vicinal atom, so that the interacting protons are three bonds away from each other, as illustrated below:
H-X-Y-H

X,Y = any atom (C, O, N, etc)

The neighboring protons occupy two spin states (recall Figure 16.3) - the alpha state aligns with the external
magnetic field and the beta state aligns against (opposes) the external magnetic field.
Which state shields the proton?
Which state results in an upfield signal?
Which state is recorded at a higher ppm?
The N+1 rule allows us to predict the multiplicity of a peak quickly as long as all the neighboring protons are
equivalent to each other (if they are equivalent to the proton responsible for the signal, there will be no
splitting). If they are not equivalent to each other, the effect of the neighboring spin states is still predictable, but
it does not follow the N+1 rule. For all the mathematicians out there, the N+1 rule applies to Pascals triangle.
For those of you who have had genetics, its similar to a monohybrid Punnetts square when there are two
neighboring protons (N=2). Be careful about memorizing/using the N+1 rule without understanding why it
works (or where it comes from).
Both chemical shifts and multiplicity result from shielding/deshielding effects. Keep the following in mind:
Chemical shifts occur because of the electrons around the proton responsible for the signal these are
relatively close to each other so these are relatively large effects
Multiplicity occurs because of protons that neighbor the proton responsible for the signal these are
relatively far from each other so these are relatively small effects
Now we have all of the information we need to start predicting (and later, interpreting) 1H NMR spectra.
There are four videos on the Khan Academy site that reinforce the content in these sections.
Spin-Spin Splitting (12:21) pairs with section 16.7
Recommended Viewing
This video uses two examples to deduce splitting patterns from a theoretical perspective.
Multiplicity (9:44) pairs with section 16.7
Recommended Viewing
This video emphasizes practical use of the N+1 rule to predict splitting and begins by revisiting the two
examples from the previous video before moving on to new examples. A discussion about when to use the N+1
rule begins at 7:50.
Coupling Constant (6:09) pairs with section 16.7
Recommended Viewing
This video looks at two examples with different coupling constants; one shows vicinal hydrogens and the other
shows geminal hydrogens.
Complex Splitting (7:54) pairs with section 16.7
Essential Viewing

This video explains how to use splitting trees to predict complex splitting patterns using two examples. Most of
it is recommended, although it becomes essential viewing from 3:30-5:00 when splitting trees are used to show
that a triplet is just a special doublet of doublets where the coupling constants are equal.
One correction: The last video suggests that the coupling constants for cis and trans hydrogens on a double
bond are the same (12 Hz). In fact, trans coupling constants are typically larger than cis coupling constants and
this difference can be used to help confirm structures.