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The configurational analysis of complex natural products by NMR spectroscopy is still a challenging task. The assignment of the relative configuration is usually carried out by analysis of interproton distances from NOESY or ROESY spectra (qualitative or quantitative) and scalar (J) couplings. About 15 years ago, residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) were introduced as a tool for the configurational determination of small organic molecules. In contrast to NOEs/ROEs which are local parameters (distances up to 400 pm can be detected for small organic molecules), RDCs are global parameters which allow to obtain structural information also from long-range relationships. RDCs have the disadvantage that the sample needs a setup in an alignment medium in order to obtain the required anisotropic environment. Here, we will discuss the configurational analysis of five complex natural products: axinellamine A (1), tetrabromostyloguanidine (2), 3,7-epi-massadine chloride (3), tubocurarine (4), and vincristine (5). Compounds 1–3 are marine natural products whereas 4 and 5 are from terrestrial sources. The chosen examples will carefully work out the limitations of NOEs/ROEs in the configurational analysis of natural products and will also provide an outlook on the information obtained from RDCs.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from XVI MaNaPro and XI ECMNP