Table 1: Principal IR Absorptions for Certain Functional Groups

Functional Group Names

& Example compounds

Absorption Ranges(cm-1)
[Look for a single absorption in these regions, unless stated otherwise.]

Type of Vibration
causing IR absorption

Alkanes:
H H C H H
Methane

3000-2800
(Note: The absorptions can be seen as several distinct peaks in this region.)

H-C-H Asymmetric & Symmetric Stretch H-C-H Bend C=C-H Asymmetric Stretch C-C=C Symmetric Stretch
C H Stretch

1500-1440 3100-3000

Alkenes:
H H3C C H H
1-Propene

1675-1600 3300-3200

Alkynes:
HC C CH3
Propyne

2200-2100 3100-3000

C Stretch

Aromatic Rings:
H H H C C C C H C C H
Benzene

1600-1580 1500-1450 3600-3100

C=C-H Asymmetric Stretch C-C=C Symmetric Stretch C-C=C Asymmetric Stretch Hydrogen-bonded O-H Stretch
(This peak usually appears much broader than the other IR absorptions.

Phenols & Alcohols:

H H H C C C C C C OH H H H C H
Methanol (Alcohol)

OH

(Note: Phenols MUST have Aromatic Ring Absorptions too.)

H Phenol

Carboxylic Acids:
O H C
Formic Acid

3400-2400
(This peak always covers the entire region with a VERY BROAD peak.)

Hydrogen-bonded O-H Stretch

[Note: This peak can obscure other peaks in this region.]

OH

1730-1650
Ketones:
O H3C C
Acetone

C=O Stretch

1750-1625

C=O Stretch

CH3

Aldehydes:
O H3C C
Ethanal

1750-1625 2850-2800
H

C=O Stretch C-H Stretch off C=O C-H Stretch off C=O

2750-2700

Table 1: Principal IR Absorptions for Certain Functional Groups

Functional Group Names
& Example compounds

Absorption Ranges(cm-1)
[Look for a single absorption in these regions, unless stated otherwise.]

Type of Vibration
causing IR absorption

Esters:
O H C O CH3
Methyl Formate

1755-1650 (1300-1000) (1300-1000) 3500-3100 (TWO PEAKS!) 1640-1560 3500-3100 (ONE PEAK!) 1550-1450
H

C=O Stretch (C-O Stretch) (C-O Stretch) N-H Stretch N-H Bend N-H Stretch N-H Bend

Ethers:
O
Diethyl Ether (aka-Ethyl Ether)

AminesPrimary:
N H H
Ethylamine

AminesSecondary:
N H CH3
N-Methylethylamine

Nitriles:
H H C C N
Methanenitrile

2300-2200

C N Stretch

Nitro Groups:
O H3C N
+

1600-1500
Nitromethane

N=O Stretch

1400-1300
(Note: Both peaks are <200 cm-1 apart.)

N=O Bend N-H Stretch (similar to amines) C=O Stretch N-H Bend

Amides:
O H3C C
Methanamide

3500-3100 1670-1600 1640-1550

NH2