Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a versatile tool for probing structure, dynamics, folding, and interactions at atomic resolution. While naturally occurring magnetically active isotopes, such as (1)H, (13)C, or (15)N, are most commonly used in biomolecular NMR, with (15)N and (13)C isotopic labeling routinely employed at the present time, (19)F is a very attractive and sensitive alternative nucleus, which offers rich information on biomolecules in solution and in the solid state. This perspective summarizes the unique benefits of solution and solid-state (19)F NMR spectroscopy for the study of biological systems. Particular focus is on the most recent studies and on future unique and important potential applications of fluorine NMR methodology.