Analytical Techniques
Infra-red Spectroscopy
This is when a sample being analysed is irradiated with electromagnetic waves in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The machine used is a spectrophotometer, and it detects the intensity of wavelengths of
infra-red that pass through the sample
The energy absorbed corresponds to changes in the vibration of bonds, leading to the bond
being stretched, bend and twist
At a specific frequency, the resonance frequency, the largest vibrations are obtained
Each type of vibration will absorb characteristic wavelengths of infra-red radiation
We can hence identify the presence (or absence) of different functional groups from the
absorbance pattern on an infra-red spectrum