Utility of coupled-HSQC experiments in the intact structural elucidation of three complex saponins from Blighia sapida

The structures of three complex saponins from the fruit pods of Blighia sapida have been elucidated and their (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra assigned employing a variety of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques without degradative chemistry. The saponins have either four or six monosaccharide units linked to a triterpene aglycone. High-resolution, proton-coupled-HSQC spectra were important for determining both the identities of the intact monosaccharide units and coupling constants in strongly coupled proton spin systems. These NMR experiments will prove crucial as the complexity of saponin structures reaches the limit that can be determined solely by NMR. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.