Undergraduate → Organic chemistry → Spectroscopy and structural analysis ↓
Infrared Spectroscopy
Introduction
Infrared spectroscopy is a technique used in organic chemistry to determine the functional groups present in a molecule. It does this by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation by the sample material as a function of wavelength or frequency. The resulting spectrum is a unique fingerprint that can help identify chemical substances.
Principle of infrared spectroscopy
Infrared radiation has a longer wavelength and lower frequency than visible light. When a molecule absorbs infrared radiation, it leads to the excitation of vibrational modes of the molecule. These vibrational modes are related to the stretching and bending of chemical bonds within the molecule. Different functional groups absorb specific frequencies of IR radiation, which can be represented in the IR spectrum.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Infrared spectroscopy falls in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The infrared region lies between visible light and microwaves and is divided into three regions:
- Near infrared (NIR): 0.78 to 2.5 μm
- Mid infrared (MIR): 2.5 to 50μm
- Far infrared (FIR): 50 to 1000μm
Molecular vibrations
The interaction of infrared radiation with a molecule can produce a variety of molecular vibrations. The two main types of vibrations observed in infrared spectroscopy are stretching and bending.
Stretching
- Symmetrical stretch: Both atoms move toward or away from the central atom at the same time, maintaining the symmetry of the molecule.
- Asymmetric pull: One atom moves toward the central atom while the other moves away.
Bending
- Scissor movement: Two atoms move towards each other and away from each other.
- Oscillation: Two atoms move in the same direction.
- Wagging: Two atoms move in opposite directions in out-of-plane motion.
- Rotation: Rotational motion around the bond axis.
Understanding IR spectra
The IR spectrum is a graph of transmittance or absorbance against the frequency or wavelength of infrared light. The x-axis usually represents wavenumber, measured in cm -1
, while the y-axis represents percent transmittance.
Example of IR spectrum
Consider the IR spectrum of ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH
):
In the ethanol spectrum, the broad peak around 3300-3500 cm -1
is due to O–H stretching, which is indicative of alcohol. The peaks in the range of 2800-3000 cm -1
are due to C–H stretching in the alkyl group.
Normal IR absorption
The typical absorption bands of different functional groups are as follows:
Functional Group | Wave number range(cm -1) | Type of vibration |
---|---|---|
Hydrocarbons | 2850-2960 | C–H stretching |
Alkene | 1620-1680 | C=C stretching |
Alkynes | 2100-2260 | C≡C stretching |
Alcohol | 3200-3550 | O–H stretching |
Carboxylic acid | 2500-3000 | Extensive O–H stretching |
Amin | 3300-3500 | N–H stretching |
Aldehyde | 1720-1740 | C=O stretching |
Ketones | 1705-1725 | C=O stretching |
Aster | 1735-1750 | C=O stretching |
Sample preparation
The preparation of samples for IR spectroscopy can be done in several forms:
- Neat liquid: The sample is run as a thin film between two salt plates.
- KBr pellet: Solid samples are pelleted by grinding them with potassium bromide.
- Mulling technique: The sample is mixed with a mulling agent such as mineral oil and spread on an IR card.
Applications of IR spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy is widely used in various fields:
- Identification of functional groups: Quick identification of functional groups in a molecule through specific absorption bands.
- Structural elucidation: Provides insight into molecular structure by identifying different functional groups and bond configurations.
- Quality control: Used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries for quality control of raw materials and finished products.
- Environmental analysis: Due to its ability to identify organic compounds it is used in monitoring air and water pollutants.
Example analysis - Aspirin
Consider the analysis of aspirin as a common example. Aspirin is another name for acetylsalicylic acid, which has the molecular formula C 9 H 8 O 4
.
The IR spectrum of aspirin shows:
- The strong peak at
1750 cm -1
represents the C=O stretching of the ester functional group. - The peak at
1680 cm -1
represents the C=O stretching of the carboxylic acid group. - The OH stretching absorption appears in the broad band around
2500-3000 cm -1
.
Conclusion
Infrared spectroscopy is a valuable tool in organic chemistry that helps to identify functional groups and elucidate molecular structures. Its wide applications in various fields highlight its importance in both academic and industrial fields.
Custom question
- Explain the principle behind IR spectroscopy.
- Identify the functional groups present in the given IR spectrum:
Strong peaks at 1705 cm -1 and 3300 cm -1.
- What are the common sample preparation techniques in IR spectroscopy?
- Discuss the applications of IR spectroscopy in the pharmaceutical industry.