When you analyze an infrared spectrum, it is easier if you follow a series of steps:

1. Look first for the carbonyl (C=O) band. Look for a strong absorption at 1660-1820 cm-1. This band is usually the most intense
absorption band in the spectrum. If you see the carbonyl band, look for the other bands associated with functional groups that contain the
carbonyl by going to step 2. If no C=O is present, go to step 3.

2. If a C=O is present, you will want to determine if it is part of an acid, an amide, an ester, an aldehyde, or a ketone.

ACID Look for the presence of an O-H. It has a broad absorption near 3300-2500 cm-1. This may actually overlap the
C-H stretch.

AMIDE The carbonyl absorption is less than 1700 cm-1. Look for one (N-H) or two (NH2) medium to weak bands
3300-3500 cm-1.

ESTER Look for C-O single band absorption of medium intensity near 1000-1300 cm-1 (often two bands). There will
be no O-H band.

ALDEHYDE Look for the weak aldehydic C-H absorption bands at 2700-2850 cm-1 (often two or more bands).

KETONE The carbonyl band at 1705-1725 cm-1 and nothing else.

3. If no carbonyl band appears in the spectrum, look for an alcohol O-H absorption.

ALCOHOL Look for the broad rounded OH band 3300-3600 cm-1. Also a C-O absorption 1000-1300 cm-1.

4. Check for the N-H of an amine.

AMINE Look for one (N-H) or two (NH2) medium to weak absorption bands 3300-3500 cm-1. Note: 3° amines have no
N-H bands.

5. Check for triple bonds.

NITRILE Look for a weak C/N peak about 2250 cm-1.

ALKYNE Look for a weak C/C peak about 2100 cm-1. Also check for the strong /C-H stretch at 3300 cm-1.

6. Check for C=C double bonds from an aromatic or alkene.

ALKENE Look for the C=C absorption near 1650 cm-1. There also will probably be a =C-H stretch near 3050 cm-1.

AROMATIC Look for the medium benzene C=C absorption bands 1450-1650 cm-1. The =C-H stretch band is much weaker
than in alkenes, but still at 3050 cm-1.

7. If none of the previous groups can be identified, you may have an:

ETHER Look for a medium to strong C-O single bond absorption at 1050-1260 cm-1.

ALKANE Look for a simple spectrum with C-H stretch 2800-3000 cm-1 and C-H bends 1350-1450 cm-1.