Efficient analysis of (51)V solid-state MAS NMR spectra using genetic algorithms

11B and 89Y solid state MAS NMR spectroscopic investigations of the layered borides YTB4 (T = Mo, W, Re)

The YCrB4 type borides YTB4 (T = Mo, W, Re) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent annealing. The structures were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 602.84(8), b = 1164.5(1), c = 361.20(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0404, 624 F2 values, 26 variables for YMoB4, a = 603.00(7), b = 1165.1(1), c = 360.63(6) pm, wR2 = 0.0487, 474 F2 values, 26 variables for YWB4, and a = 596.67(6), b = 1154.4(1), c = 360.21(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0465, 544 F2 values, 26 variables for YReB4. The boron atoms build up planar networks which are a tessellation of slightly distorted pentagons and heptagons. Adjacent networks coordinate the transition metal and yttrium atoms in the form of pentagonal and heptagonal prisms, respectively. The four crystallographically distinct boron sites are differentiated by high-resolution 11B solid state isotropic magnetic shifts and nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling constants. Partial site assignments are possible based on comparisons with electric field gradient calculations using the WIEN2k code. 89Y MAS NMR spectroscopic studies suggest substantially weaker Knight shift contributions to the resonance frequencies when compared to other intermetallic yttrium compounds, including other ternary yttrium boride compounds measured previously.

Structural characterization of vanadium environments in MCM-41 molecular sieve catalysts by solid state 51V NMR

Advanced analysis of ⁵¹V NMR chemical shift and quadrupolar tensor parameters revealed novel insights into the structure of vanadium species in MCM-41-based catalysts.

Compensating the asymmetric probe response in broad MAS NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei

The spinning sidebands envelope of satellite transitions often display an asymmetric shape, which is caused by an asymmetric response of the NMR probe circuit. In this work, we revisit the basic concepts of the RLC circuit at the heart of every NMR probe and present two approaches capable of minimizing this artifact. While the first one consists of deliberately mistuning the probe, the second one relies on measuring the probe's response function and deconvoluting its contribution from the spectra. Both approaches are validated with ²³Na NMR spectra of a lead-free relaxor ferroelectric (BNT-1BT). This material is particularly suitable as an example of the applicability of both strategies for samples with a disordered local structure.

Genetic algorithms and solid state NMR pulse sequences

The use of genetic algorithms for the optimisation of magic angle spinning NMR pulse sequences is discussed. The discussion uses as an example the optimisation of the C7(2)(1) dipolar recoupling pulse sequence, aiming to achieve improved efficiency for spin systems characterised by large chemical shielding anisotropies and/or small dipolar coupling interactions. The optimised pulse sequence is found to be robust over a wide range of parameters, requires only minimal a priori knowledge of the spin system for experimental implementations with buildup rates being solely determined by the magnitude of the dipolar coupling interaction, but is found to be less broadbanded than the original C7(2)(1) pulse sequence. The optimised pulse sequence breaks the synchronicity between r.f. pulses and sample spinning.

EASY-GOING deconvolution: Automated MQMAS NMR spectrum analysis based on a model with analytical crystallite excitation efficiencies

The EASY-GOING deconvolution (EGdeconv) program is extended to enable fast and automated fitting of multiple quantum magic angle spinning (MQMAS) spectra guided by evolutionary algorithms. We implemented an analytical crystallite excitation model for spectrum simulation. Currently these efficiencies are limited to two-pulse and z-filtered 3QMAS spectra of spin 3/2 and 5/2 nuclei, whereas for higher spin-quantum numbers ideal excitation is assumed. The analytical expressions are explained in full to avoid ambiguity and facilitate others to use them. The EGdeconv program can fit interaction parameter distributions. It currently includes a Gaussian distribution for the chemical shift and an (extended) Czjzek distribution for the quadrupolar interaction. We provide three case studies to illustrate EGdeconv's capabilities for fitting MQMAS spectra. The EGdeconv program is available as is on our website http://egdeconv.science.ru.nl for 64-bit Linux operating systems.

A simple method for analyzing 51V solid-state NMR spectra of complex systems

Five vanadium complexes as models for biological systems were investigated using (51)V-MAS-NMR spectroscopy. All spectra show an uncommon line shape, which can be attributed to a shorter relaxation time of the satellite transition in contrast to the central one. A method for the reliable analysis of such kind of spectra is presented for the first time and the most important NMR parameters of the investigated complexes (quadrupolar coupling constant C(Q), asymmetry of the EFG tensor η(Q), isotropic chemical shift δ(iso), chemical shift anisotropy δ(σ) and asymmetry of the CSA tensor η(σ)) are presented. These results are of particular importance with respect to the analysis of the (51)V-MAS-NMR spectra of vanadium moieties in biological matrices such as vanadium chloroperoxidase, which show hitherto unexplained low intensity of the satellite sideband pattern.

EASY-GOING deconvolution: combining accurate simulation and evolutionary algorithms for fast deconvolution of solid-state quadrupolar NMR spectra

A fast and accurate fit program is presented for deconvolution of one-dimensional solid-state quadrupolar NMR spectra of powdered materials. Computational costs of the synthesis of theoretical spectra are reduced by the use of libraries containing simulated time/frequency domain data. These libraries are calculated once and with the use of second-party simulation software readily available in the NMR community, to ensure a maximum flexibility and accuracy with respect to experimental conditions. EASY-GOING deconvolution (EGdeconv) is equipped with evolutionary algorithms that provide robust many-parameter fitting and offers efficient parallellised computing. The program supports quantification of relative chemical site abundances and (dis)order in the solid-state by incorporation of (extended) Czjzek and order parameter models. To illustrate EGdeconv's current capabilities, we provide three case studies. Given the program's simple concept it allows a straightforward extension to include other NMR interactions. The program is available as is for 64-bit Linux operating systems.

Correlations between (51)V solid-state NMR parameters and chemical structure of vanadium (V) complexes as models for related metalloproteins and catalysts

The parameters describing the quadrupolar and CSA interactions of 51V solid-state MAS NMR investigations of model complexes mimicking vanadoenzymes as well as vanadium containing catalysts and enzyme complexes are interpreted with respect to the chemical structure. The interpretation is based on the data of 15 vanadium complexes including two new complexes with previously unpublished data and 13 complexes with data previously published by us. Correlations between the chemical structure and the 51V solid-state NMR data of this class of compounds have been established. Especially for the isotropic chemical shift delta(iso) and the chemical shift anisotropy delta(sigma), correlations with specific structural features like the coordination number of the vanadium atom, the number of coordinating nitrogens, the number of oxygen atoms and the chemical surrounding of the complex could be established for these compounds. Moreover, quantitative correlations between the solid-state NMR parameters and specific bond angles and bond lengths have been obtained. Our results can be of particular interest for future investigations concerning the structure and the mode of action of related vanadoenzymes and vanadate protein assemblies, including the use of vanadate adducts as transition state analogs for phosphate metabolizing systems.