Multinuclear PGSE diffusion and overhauser NMR studies on a variety of salts in THF solution.

(1)H, (19)F, and (7)Li pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR measurements for a series of salts are reported. The (7)Li is shown to complement the (1)H and (19)F measurements; however, the use of higher concentrations (for the less-sensitive (7)Li) can lead to aggregation. For all of the salts discussed {Li(BF(4)); (n-Bu(4)N)(BF(4)), a trinuclear Ru cluster; [Ir(1,5-COD)(4)](BF(4)), where 4 is a chiral P,N ligand; and the crown ether stabilized potassium salt, [K(18-crown-6)(NPh(2))], 6}, the use of THF seems to promote strong ion pairing. In several cases, the degree of ion pairing approaches 100%. In THF solution, the potassium salt, 6, prefers to exist as a more classical ion pair rather than as the pi complex found in the solid state. In some cases, (1)H, (1)H NOESY and (1)H, (19)F HOESY spectra help to pinpoint the cation/anion spatial relationship.