The carbon atoms that absorb downfield are the ones that shows signal to the left of the NMR spectrum (higher chemical shifts).

The carbon atoms that absorb upfield are the ones that shows signal to the farther right of the NMR spectrum (lower chemical shifts).

• The presence of electronegative elements shifts the absorptions downfield.
• The \(s{p^2}\) hybridized carbon atoms show downfield absorptions.
• All the electron deficient carbon atoms (for example the carbonyl carbon) shows downfield absorptions.

a.

The carbon atom adjacent to the oxygen atom is electron-deficient and hence it absorbs downfield.

b.

The carbon atom bonded to two bromine atoms is highly electron-deficient compared to the other and hence it absorbs farther downfield.

c.

The carbonyl carbon absorbs downfield.

d.

The double-bonded carbon (\(s{p^2}\)hybridized) absorbs farther downfield.