Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy

IR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for identifying pure organic and inorganic compounds because, with the exception of a few homonuclear molecules such as O2, N2 and Cl2, all molecular species absorb infrared radiation. With the exception of chiral molecules in the crystalline state, each molecular species has its own unique infrared spectrum. It is a less satisfactory tool for quantitative analyses than its UV and visible counterparts because of 1. Lower sensitivity 2. Frequent deviations from Beer's Law Qualitative Applications of Infrared Spectrophotometry An infrared absorption spectrum, even for a relatively simple compound, often contains a bewildering array of sharp bands and minima. Absorption bands useful for the identification of functional groups are located in the shorter wavelength of the infrared (from about 2.5 to 8.5 m), where the positions of the absorption maxima are only slightly affected by the carbon skeleton to which the groups are attached. Quantitative Infrared Photometry and Spectrophotometry Quantitative infrared absorption methods differ somewhat from their ultraviolet and visible counterparts because of the: 1. greater complexity of the spectra 2. the narrowness of the absorption bands 3. and the capabilities of the instruments available for measurement in this spectral region Absorbance measurements Using matched cuvettes for solvent and analyte is seldom practical for infrared measurements because it is difficult to obtain cells with identical transmission characteristics. Part of the difficulty results from degradation of the transparency of infrared cell windows (typically polished sodium chloride) with use due to attack by traces of moisture in the atmosphere and in samples. In addition path lengths are hard to reproduce because infrared cells are often less than 1mm thick. Such narrow cells are required to permit the transmission of measurable intensities of infrared radiation through pure samples or through very concentrated solution of the analyte. Measurements on dilute analyte solutions, as is done in ultraviolet or visible spectroscopy, are usually difficult because there are few good solvents that transmit over appreciable regions of the infrared spectrum. A reference absorber is often dispensed with entirely in qualitative infrared work, and the intensity of the radiation passing through the sample is simply compared with that of the unobstructed beam; alternatively, a salt plate may be used as a reference. Skoog, West et al, Fundamentals of analytical chemistry, 8th ed, ISBN-13: 978-0-03-035523-3

Applications of Quantitative IR Spectroscopy Offers the potential for determining an unusually large number of substances because nearly all molecular species absorb in the infrared region.

Skoog, West et al, Fundamentals of analytical chemistry, 8th ed, ISBN-13: 978-0-03-035523-3