The study of inorganic systems by NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with parahydrogen-induced polarisation

The study of reaction mechanisms by NMR spectroscopy normally suffers from limitations in sensitivity that result in substantial difficulties in the detection and characterisation of reaction intermediates. One technique that can circumvent this problem is the use of para-enriched hydrogen. Here, an overview of the developments in the study of chemical reactions using parahydrogen-assisted NMR spectroscopy is presented, with the characterisation of a number of new hydride complexes of iridium, rhodium, ruthenium and tantalum being described. A number of studies involving transition metal clusters and catalytic applications are also considered. (C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003.