Site‐specific natural isotope fractionation of hydrogen in plant products studied by nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Deuterium NMR at the natural abundance was used to determine the site‐specific isotope ratios (D/H) i of the non‐equivalent isotopomers of various chemical species which exist in plant products. The deuterium distribution in glucose, galactose and mannitol samples from different botanical and compartmental origins is discussed in terms of the influence of plant metabolism and environmental factors. Particular emphasis is given to the potential versatility of deuterium NMR in the study of natural isotopic distribution in pro‐chiral situations. Typical examples of chiral recognition are given in the field of glycolysis metabolites (ethanol, amino‐acids) and of monoterpene biosynthesis.