Chemical Reaction Monitoring Using Zero-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Enables Study of Heterogeneous Samples in Metal Containers
<div> <p>We demonstrate that heterogeneous/biphasic chemical reactions can be monitored with high spectroscopic resolution using zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance. This is possible because magnetic susceptibility broadening is insignificant at ultralow magnetic fields. We show the two-step hydrogenation of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with <i>para</i>-enriched hydrogen gas in conventional glass NMR tubes, as well as in a titanium tube. The low frequency zero-field NMR signals ensure that there is no significant signal attenuation due to shielding by the electrically conductive sample container. This method paves the way for <i>in situ</i> monitoring of reactions in complex heterogeneous multiphase systems and in reactors made from conductive materials without magnetic susceptibility induced line broadening.</p></div>