Discovering Mechanistic Insights by Application of Tandem Ultrafast Multidimensional NMR Techniques

Ultrafast multidimensional NMR acquisition techniques have shown promising capabilities in studies of dynamic systems in real time. The method’s characteristics have permitted the focus to be on the mechanistic details of organic reactions. The tandem UF-TOCSY/HMBC sequence applied here combines both homonuclear and heteronuclear details and therefore provides complete information about the evolution of a dynamic reaction in real time. The methodology will be applied to find an explanation of the low reactivity of alicyclic ketones such as cyclohexanone in reactions with triflic anhydride and aliphatic nitriles, which leads to bicyclic pyrimidines.