The combined effect of quadrupolar and dipolar interactions on the excitation and evolution of triple quantum coherences in 7Li solid state magic angle spinning NMR

► Triple-quantum 7Li spectra are broadened by homonuclear dipolar-quadrupolar cross-terms. ► The broadening mechanism is spinning-speed dependent and not field-dependent. ► Triple-quantum coherence (TQC) dephasing time is extended upon dilution with 6Li. ► Triple-quantum 7Li spectra are similar or narrower than single-quantum spectra. ► Two-pulse excitation is superior to single-pulse excitation of 7Li TQC.