NMR spectroscopy is indispensable across organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and catalysis, and is gaining value in areas such as environmental analysis. Its related imaging counterpart MRI is a cornerstone of modern diagnostic medicine. However, both techniques suffer from an intrinsic limitation: inherently low sensitivity, which persists even at the highest magnetic fields attainable in research spectrometers. Hyperpolarisation catalysts offer a way to overcome this limitation by creating a non-equilibrium distribution of nuclear spin states prior to measurement, but doing so requires precise control over the underlying chemistry, molecular design, reactivity, catalysis, and procedures.
This presentation will show how synthetic and mechanistic insight can be used to develop more efficient and versatile hyperpolarisation processes, with a particular focus on reactions involving para-hydrogen (p-H2) that transfer nuclear spin order during catalyst binding. Recent work from our group will illustrate the unique hyperpolarisation behaviour and opportunities presented by oximes and hydrazones, pyridylpyrrolide complexes, and benzoquinones, encompassing innovative approaches to both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. We will also show how deuterium (2H) labelling can be used to control hyperpolarisation pathways and extend the lifetime of enhanced NMR signals. Finally, we will highlight emerging opportunities for application in agronomic and environmental chemistry, where enhanced NMR sensitivity supports new approaches to molecular monitoring and detection.