Spin propagation through the C–C and C–H bonds

The signs of spin density on the carbon atoms and protons attached to them in nitroxides (nitroxyl radicals) with fixed geometry strictly alternate demonstrating unambiguously that spin propagation along the carbon chains of saturated C–C bonds occurs by a mechanism of spin polarization. Spin densities, both calculated and measured by NMR spectroscopy, exhibit convincing agreement both in signs and magnitudes.