Kinetic constant measurement by NMR using a calibrated internal signal (ERETIC)

We demonstrate that a precise determination of a kinetic constant can be obtained by NMR spectroscopy by using a calibrated internal signal (the ERETIC method) as a reference. Thus the need of introduce a reference molecule into the sample is avoided. Proton NMR spectroscopy has been used to measure the kinetic constant for the acetylation of benzyl alcohol by acetic anhydride. Results obtained with the ERETIC method were compared to those obtained using 1,4-dioxane as an internal reference. No significative difference was observed in the value of the kinetic constant or in the precision of its determination.