Direct and indirect hyperpolarisation of amines using hydrogen.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are two widely used techniques for the study of molecules and materials. Hyperpolarisation methods, such as Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE), turn typically weak magnetic resonance responses into strong signals. In this article we detail how it is possible to hyperpolarise the H, C and N nuclei of a range of amines.

Solvent responsive catalyst improves NMR sensitivity via efficient magnetisation transfer.

A bidentate iridium carbene complex, Ir(κC,O-L1)(COD), has been synthesised which contains a strongly electron donating carbene ligand that is functionalised by a cis-spanning phenolate group. This complex acts as a precursor to effective magnetisation transfer catalysts which form after reaction with H2 and a suitable two electron donor. In solvents such as benzene, containing pyridine, they are exemplified by neutral, chiral Ir(H)2(κC,O-L1)(py)2 with inequivalent hydride ligands and Ir-O bond retention, whilst in methanol, Ir-O bond cleavage leads to zwitterionic [Ir(H)2(κC,O(-)-L1)(py)3](+), with chemically equivalent hydride ligands.

Catalytic Transfer of Magnetism using a Neutral Iridium Phenoxide Complex.

A novel neutral iridium carbene complex Ir(κC,O-L)(COD) () [where COD = cyclooctadiene and L = 3-(2-methylene-4-nitrophenolate)-1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) imidazolylidene] with a pendant alkoxide ligand has been prepared and characterized. It contains a strong Ir-O bond and X-ray analysis reveals a distorted square planar structure. NMR spectroscopy reveals dynamic solution state behavior commensurate with rapid seven-membered ring flipping.