Infrared Spectroscopy

Read pg 282 C bk & 102 RG Sec 5

IR spectroscopy helps to identify the functional group in
the molecule.
When molecules absorb IR radiation, there are 2 possible
effects
Stretching - where the bond length increases and
decreases.
Bending- where the bond angle increases and decreases.
When the covalent bonds of a molecule absorb IR
radiation the amount of energy absorbed depends on
1. Bond length
2. Bond strength
3. The mass of each atom involved in the bond.
Only molecules which change their polarity or dipole
moment as they vibrate, can absorb IR radiation.
These include
1. All polar molecules are IR active e.g. H2O, NO, NO2
2. Molecules with non-polar bonds such as O2 and N2do
not absorb IR radiation. Thus, they are not
greenhouse gases.
3. Non-polar molecules that have polar bonds absorb
IR radiation. e.g. CO2 and CH4 (greenhouse gases)
Wave no = 1/ wave length in cm
(cm-1)
Look IR absorption table pg.102 R.G
Distinct peaks 1. A broad and strong peak about
3000 cm-1 is due to -OH group.

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 2. A strong and sharp peak about 1700 cm-1 is due to
C=O group.
About 3000cm-1 About1700cm-1

-OH group -C=O group

If there is a broad peak about 3000cm-1 it may be alcohol.
If there are two peaks at 3000cm-1 and 1700cm-1, it may be -COOH from
acid.
IR region – 4000 cm-1 to 600cm-1
Fingerprint region- 1500cm-1 to 500 cm-1(due to bending vibration)
IR spectrometer (General Knowledge)
1. Single beam
2. Double beam
IR spectrum are taken
1. As a film (pure liquid)
2. As a solution (a solid dissolved in CHCl3(Spectroscopic grade
CCl4).
3. As KBr pellet (a pellet is made by mixing a solid sample +pure
KBr).

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IR spectrum of Ester

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IR Spectrometer

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