Transform of the Fourier Series Infrared Spectroscopy, also known as FTIR

Spectroscopy, is a technique used for identifying organic, polymeric, and inorganic

materials. Infrared light is used to scan test materials and examine chemical
characteristics using the FTIR analysis method. (RTI LABORATORIES, 2021)The
preferred method of infrared spectroscopy is known as Fourier transform infrared
(FT-IR). IR radiation is transmitted through a sample during infrared spectroscopy.
The sample absorbs some of the infrared light and some of it passes through
(transmitted). The resulting spectrum depicts the molecule absorption and
transmission of the material, giving in a molecular fingerprint. No two chemical
configurations create the same infrared spectrum, just like no two fingerprints. As a
result, infrared spectroscopy applies to a wide range of applications. (ThermoFisher,
2021)

The principles of FTIR Spectroscopy

FTIR analyses, Infrared light from the light source passes through a Michelson
interferometer along the optical path. The Michelson interferometer comprises a
beam splitter, moving mirror, and fixed mirror. The light beam split into two by the
beam splitter is reflected from the moving mirror and fixed mirror, before being
recombined by the beam splitter. As the moving mirror makes reciprocating
movements, the optical path difference to the fixed mirror changes, such that the
phase difference changes with time. The light beams are recombined
in the Michelson interferometer to produce interference light. The intensity of the
interference light is recorded in an interferogram, with the optical path difference
recorded along the horizontal axis.

A common FTIR spectrometer consists of a source, interferometer, sample

compartment, detector, amplifier, A/D convertor, and computer. The source
generates radiation which passes the sample through the interferometer and
reaches the detector. Then the signal is amplified and converted to a digital signal by
the amplifier and analog-to-digital converter, respectively. Eventually, the signal is
transferred to a computer in which Fourier transform is carried out. (Chemistry,
2020)

Types of samples used

FTIR testing lab can analyze solid, liquid, powder, or thin-film samples using the
following methods: Solids placed on a crystal (ATR), Liquids placed between two
sodium chloride plates (Nujol), Thin film placed in a cassette, Powdered sample
mixed with potassium bromide and placed in a pellet (KBr pellet). Samples can
range in size, with the smallest being as small as 10-20 microns. (Harvey, 2000)

Display and interpretation of results.

The FTIR Spectrometer generates a graph in the form an above absorbance

spectrum, which shows the unique chemical bonds and the molecular structure of
the sample material. This absorption spectrum will have peaks representing
components present. These absorbance peaks indicate functional groups (e.g.
alkanes, ketones, acid chlorides). Different types of bonds, and thus different
functional groups, absorb infrared radiation of different wavelengths. The analytical
spectrum is then compared in a reference library program to identify components or
to find a “best match” for unknown material using the cataloged spectra for known
materials. (Harvey, 2000)

Aim: To definitely identify compounds and chemical bonds in a molecule.

Objectives
 To identify functional groups present within a sample
 To identify unknown materials
 To determine the quality or consistency of a sample
 To determine the number of components in a mixture

Procedure

Reference
Harvey D. (2000)“Modern Analytical Chemistry” First edition. McGraw-Hill. United
States of America.