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IR-Short Note

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views

IR-Short Note

Uploaded by

Shannu Kunku
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture on Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

1. Introduction to IR Spectroscopy

 What is IR Spectroscopy?

o Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to identify and study


chemicals by analyzing the infrared light absorbed by the molecules.

o Molecules absorb specific frequencies of IR light, causing bonds within the molecules
to vibrate at characteristic frequencies.

 Basic Principle

o When molecules are exposed to IR radiation, they absorb energy and undergo
transitions in their vibrational states.

o The absorbed frequencies correspond to the natural vibrational frequencies of the


bonds in the molecule.

o The resulting spectrum is a plot of absorbance (or transmittance) vs. frequency


(usually expressed in wavenumbers, cm⁻¹).

2. IR Spectrum and Interpretation

 IR Spectrum Features

o Wavenumber Range: Typically from 4000 cm⁻¹ to 400 cm⁻¹.

o Functional Group Region (4000-1500 cm⁻¹): This region gives information about
specific functional groups (e.g., -OH, -NH, C=O).

o Fingerprint Region (1500-400 cm⁻¹): This region is unique for every compound and is
used for identifying the molecular structure.

 Vibrational Modes

o Stretching: Changes in bond length.

o Bending: Changes in bond angle.

o Examples include symmetric and asymmetric stretching, scissoring, rocking, wagging,


and twisting.

3. Uses of IR Spectroscopy

 Qualitative Analysis

o Identification of functional groups and molecular structures.

o Comparing the spectrum of an unknown sample with reference spectra.

 Quantitative Analysis

o Measuring the concentration of compounds in mixtures by using the absorbance at


specific wavelengths.

 Applications
o Organic Chemistry: Identifying organic compounds, checking purity, and studying
reaction mechanisms.

o Pharmaceuticals: Analyzing drug formulations and quality control.

o Environmental Monitoring: Detecting pollutants in air and water.

o Material Science: Studying polymers, coatings, and composites.

o Forensic Science: Identifying substances in forensic samples.

4. Instrumentation of IR Spectroscopy

 IR Spectrometer Components

o IR Source:

 Produces infrared radiation (commonly Globar, Nernst Glower, or tungsten


lamp).

o Sample Handling System:

 Sample can be in solid, liquid, or gas form.

 Different sample handling techniques: KBr pellets, ATR (Attenuated Total


Reflectance), thin films, and gas cells.

o Monochromator:

 Disperses the IR radiation into its component wavelengths (using prisms or


gratings).

o Detector:

 Measures the intensity of transmitted or absorbed radiation (common


detectors: MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride), DTGS (Deuterated Triglycine
Sulfate)).

o Computer System:

 Processes the signal and displays the spectrum.

 Types of IR Spectrometers

o Dispersive IR Spectrometers:

 Use monochromators to separate different wavelengths before they reach


the detector.

o Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers:

 Use an interferometer (typically a Michelson interferometer) to collect all


wavelengths simultaneously.

 Advantages of FTIR: Higher resolution, faster data collection, and better


signal-to-noise ratio.

5. Practical Considerations and Sample Preparation


 Solid Samples:

o Usually prepared by mixing with KBr and pressing into a pellet.

o Alternatively, ATR can be used to analyze solid samples directly.

 Liquid Samples:

o Can be analyzed using liquid cells with NaCl or KBr windows.

 Gas Samples:

o Analyzed using gas cells, which require longer path lengths to detect the lower
concentrations typically found in gases.

 Data Interpretation:

o Careful analysis of the peaks and their intensities allows for the identification of
functional groups and bonding environments within the sample.

6. Conclusion

 Summary:

o IR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for identifying and studying chemical substances


based on their vibrational transitions.

o Its wide range of applications in various fields makes it an essential technique in


analytical chemistry.

 Future Prospects:

o Continued developments in IR spectroscopy are likely to improve its sensitivity,


resolution, and applications in areas like biomedical research, nanotechnology, and
real-time environmental monitoring.

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