Résumé : This paper reports the results of a comparative study of the NMR spectra of phenanthrene to nonahelicene (I-VII, Fig. 1). The four spin systems present in these hydrocarbons (end rings) have been calculated and the corresponding protons (A, B, C, D) have been assigned on the basis of the coupling constants. These assignments are fully confirmed by the study of substituted derivatives, epi cross-ring couplings and specific solvent effects. The repercussion of the progressive overlap of benzene rings on the NMR spectra is discussed. © 1969.