7.4.1

Infrared Spectroscopy

Test yourself

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.

Illustrative background for Bonds and infraredIllustrative background for Bonds and infrared ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Common frequenciesIllustrative background for Common frequencies ?? "content

Common frequencies

  • The frequency is normally reported as a wavenumber.
    • A wavenumber is 1λ\frac{1}{\lambda}, where λ is the wavelength.
Illustrative background for Interpreting spectraIllustrative background for Interpreting spectra ?? "content

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 is great for identifying functional groups. It's also great for warming the planet!

Illustrative background for The greenhouse effectIllustrative background for The greenhouse effect ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Global warmingIllustrative background for Global warming ?? "content

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.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

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

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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

Get started with Seneca Premium