Final answer:
Protons beside more than one set of distinct protons typically follow the N+1 rule in NMR spectroscopy, which determines the number of signal splittings in an NMR spectrum. However, symmetrical or equivalent protons, complex coupling, or strong coupling can lead to deviations from this rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, if a proton is beside more than one set of chemically distinct protons, it typically follows the N+1 rule in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This rule states that the number of signal splittings (or peaks) a proton experiences in an NMR spectrum will be N+1, where N is the number of neighboring, non-equivalent protons. Each set of distinct protons can cause splitting, and the presence of multiple different neighbors can lead to complex splitting patterns. However, for protons that are chemically equivalent or symmetrical, the N+1 rule must account for these situations, resulting in fewer or no splits. Additionally, there are exceptions to this rule, especially in cases of complex coupling or when dealing with strong coupling between protons.