The present study demonstrates the
importance of adequate precision when reporting the δ and J parameters of frequency domain 1H NMR (HNMR)
data. Using a variety of structural classes (terpenoids, phenolics,
alkaloids) from different taxa (plants, cyanobacteria), this study
develops rationales that explain the importance of enhanced precision
in NMR spectroscopic analysis and rationalizes the need for reporting
Δδ
and ΔJ values at the 0.1–1 ppb and 10
mHz level, respectively. Spectral simulations paired with iteration
are shown to be essential tools for complete spectral interpretation,
adequate precision, and unambiguous HNMR-driven dereplication and
metabolomic analysis. The broader applicability of the recommendation
relates to the physicochemical properties of hydrogen (1H) and its ubiquity in organic molecules, making HNMR spectra an
integral component of structure elucidation and verification. Regardless
of origin or molecular weight, the HNMR spectrum of a compound can
be very complex and encode a wealth of structural information that
is often obscured by limited spectral dispersion and the occurrence
of higher order effects. This altogether limits spectral interpretation,
confines decoding of the underlying spin parameters, and explains
the major challenge associated with the translation of HNMR spectra
into tabulated information. On the other hand, the reproducibility
of the spectral data set of any (new) chemical entity is essential
for its structure elucidation and subsequent dereplication. Handling
and documenting HNMR data with adequate precision is
critical for establishing unequivocal links between chemical structure,
analytical data, metabolomes, and biological activity. Using the full
potential of HNMR spectra will facilitate the general reproducibility
for future studies of bioactive chemicals, especially of compounds
obtained from the diversity of terrestrial and marine organisms.