BRAINCAKESpin-Spin Splitting
In a high-resolution 1H NMR spectrum, many peaks are not single lines. They are split into a group of closely spaced lines called a multiplet. This is spin-spin splitting (also called spin-spin coupling).
It happens because each H nucleus acts as a small magnet. The H atoms on an adjacent carbon atom can each line up with or against the applied field. The different combinations slightly change the magnetic field felt by the H atoms being observed, so their peak is split into several lines.
Multiplets are named by the number of lines:
• 1 line: singlet
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in NMR Spectroscopy
- The TMS Standard
- Deuterated Solvents
- 13C NMR Spectroscopy
- Interpreting 13C NMR Spectra
- 1H NMR Spectroscopy
- Integration Traces
- The n+1 Rule
- Interpreting 1H NMR Spectra
All 11 lessons in NMR Spectroscopy · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics