Dipolar cross-relaxation modulates signal amplitudes in the 1H NMR spectrum of hyperpolarized [13C]formate

The asymmetry in the doublet of a spin coupled to hyperpolarized 13C has been used previously to measure the initial polarization of 13C. We tested the hypothesis that a single observation of the 1H NMR spectrum of hyperpolarized 13C formate monitors 13C polarization. Depending on the microwave frequency during the polarization process, in-phase or out-of-phase doublets were observed in the 1H NMR spectrum. Even in this simple two-spin system, 13C polarization was not reflected in the relative area of the JCH doublet components due to strong heteronuclear cross-relaxation. The Solomon equations were used to model the proton signal as a function of time after polarization and to estimate 13C polarization from the 1H NMR spectra.