Karplus-type equations are derived for the variation of one-bond X-Y coupling constants 1 J(X-Y) as a function of dihedral angle for molecules H m X-YH n , for X, Y, ) 15 N, 17 O, 31 P, and 33 S. Coupling constants were obtained from ab initio EOM-CCSD calculations, with all terms evaluated. The relative orientation of lone pairs appears to be a primary factor determining the dependence of 1 J(X-Y) on the dihedral angle.