7.4.1
Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy is used to identify certain bonds within a compound. This means it's pretty useful in distinguishing between different functional groups.


Bonds and infrared
Bonds and infrared
- Infrared radiation is absorbed by any polar bond. Non-polar bonds do not absorb radiation.
- Polar bonds only absorb radiation of specific frequencies.
- The absorbed infrared radiation makes the bonds vibrate.
- The frequency absorbed is specific to each bond.
- Different bonds in different places can have different frequencies.
- E.g. An alcohol OH is different to a carboxylic acid OH.


Common frequencies
Common frequencies
- The frequency is normally reported as a wavenumber.
- A wavenumber is , where λ is the wavelength.


Interpreting spectra
Interpreting spectra
- The section from 1,500 to 500 cm-1 is called the fingerprint region. This is usually full of small peaks and is specific to any molecule.
- There are large databases of fingerprint regions and you can search for a match to identify your compound.
- If you don’t have access to a database, most helpful bonds are outside of this region.
- E.g. The previous slide showed acetic acid, which has a peak at 3,000, because of a carboxylic acid OH, and one at 1,720, because of a CO double bond.
Absorption of Infrared Radiation and Global Warming
Absorption of Infrared Radiation and Global Warming
Absorption of infrared radiation is great for identifying functional groups. It's also great for warming the planet!


The greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect
- Infrared (IR) radiation is useful for helping us identify compounds because it is absorbed by polar bonds.
- Molecules in the atmosphere containing polar bonds also absorb IR radiation emitted by the earth.
- E.g. carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane and CFCs.
- Once these molecules have absorbed IR radiation, they re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards Earth.
- This is called the greenhouse effect.


Global warming
Global warming
- The greenhouse effect can be positive - it helps keep the Earth at a temperature that is suitable for life.
- But human activities are causing a rise in greenhouse gases, which increases the strength of the greenhouse effect.
- This leads to a rise in global temperatures - global warming.
- Global warming is a big threat and can cause extreme weather, and flooding in low-lying areas.
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
Jump to other topics
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books