Document Type
Article
Version
Author's Final Manuscript
Publication Title
Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Volume
36
Publication Date
2009
Abstract
We have determined the molecular and crystal structure of 4,5-dibromo-2,7-di-t-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene and measured the 1H spin–lattice relaxation rate from 87 to 270 K at NMR frequencies of ω/2π=8.50, 22.5, and 53.0 MHz. All molecules in the crystal see the same intra and intermolecular environment and the repeating unit is half a molecule. We have extended models developed for 1H spin–lattice relaxation resulting from the reorientation of a t-butyl group and its constituent methyl groups to include these rotors and the 9-methyl groups. The relaxation rate data is well-fitted assuming that the t-butyl groups and all three of their constituent methyl groups, as well as the 9-methyl groups all reorient with an NMR activation energy of 15.8±1.6 kJ mol−1 corresponding to a barrier of 17.4±3.2 kJ mol−1. Only intramethyl and intra-t-butyl intermethyl spin–spin interactions need be considered. A unique random-motion Debye (or BPP) spectral density will not fit the data for any reasonable choice of parameters. A distribution of activation energies is required.
Citation
P.A. Beckmann, William G. Dougherty Jr., and W. Scott Kassel. 2009. "Methyl and t-butyl reorientation in an organic molecular solid." Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 36.2: 86-91.
DOI
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926204009000587