$^{13}C$ Spin-Lattice Relaxation Study of Segmental Motions in n-alkanes: n-Undecane and n-Dodecane

The motions of carbon-chain backbone in n-undecance and n-dodecane dissolved in CDCl3 are investigated by 13C NMR relaxation study. For this purpose a model of C - C backbone motions for these molecules is introduced that takes into account the cooperativities between rotations about two $\beta$-coupled C - C bonds. In this model it is assumed that the major conformational interconversions occurring in the inner part of the chain involve the type II jumps only, although at terminal part of the chain both type II and type III motions are assumed to take place. Information of the rate constants of these conformational transitions could be extracted by comparing the T1's calculated on the basis of the assumed model with those observed over the temperature range of 248 - 308 K. The calculations were performed according to the method proposed by Wittebort and Szabo. The activation energies, ranging from ca 12 to 20 kJ/mol, could be obtained from the Arrhenius plots of these calculated rate constants.