A 31P MAS NMR study of cytidine 2'-phosphate bound to ribonuclease A in the crystalline state

31P CP/MAS spectra have been obtained from 2'-CMP bound to ribonuclease A in the crystalline state. The chemical shift value is closely similar to that found in solution NMR studies under similar conditions, and corresponds to that of the dianionic state of the free compound. It is suggested that the NMR approach may be of general applicability for the comparison of the binding properties of small molecules to proteins in crystals and solution.