Coupling Constants

Abstract

The spin-spin scalar coupling between two nuclei has long since become a routine tool in the armament of chemists. This stems partially from the enormous number of empirical relations routinely in use as structure and hybridization probes and partially from the theoretically more tractable relationships which are thought to correctly describe this spin-spin interaction. There are several levels of sophistication commonly in use when discussing the theory of the one-bond metal-phosphorus coupling constant, 1J(M,P), and this topic, in combination with the question of metal-phosphorus bonding, will be considered first in this chapter. This will be followed by a short presentation concerned with the question of the two-bond through-metal coupling 2J(P,P).