NMR Relaxometry Applied to Chemical Studies of Paramagnetic Metal Cation Complexes: Fundamentals and Applications

Abstract

Low field time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) relaxometry of paramagnetic metal cations (PMC) has been widely used to study and improve contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, despite its remarkable potential, TD-NMR is rarely used to study PMC complexes, and coordination compounds in non-biomedical application. Therefore, this review aimed to provide comprehensive information not only to non-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation specialists, but also to scientists from distinct levels and expertise, as a way to pave the path for modern analytical and research of PMC complexes. Some fundamental concepts about NMR, paramagnetic relaxation mechanism, as well as traditional and modern methods to measure the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times constants are addressed. Here, we address some applications in analytical, electrochemical, and inorganic chemistry, electrodeposition reactions, as well as studies on PMC complexes and coordination compounds in solution.