Chapter 15

Infrared Spectroscopy
Iyun Lazik
SJCC
CHEMISTRY 12A
Spectroscopy

Useful in structure determination

Uses electromagnetic radiation to interact with sample

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Frequency () = number of complete wave cycles passing a point per second

Speed of Light (c) = speed of light in vacuum

Photons: massless packets of energy
Mathematical Relationships
c=
E=h
h = Plancks constant = 6.62 x 10 J/s
Wavenumber
-34

Keys to Spectroscopy

Energy is quantized and information on structure is possible because the energy needed to
interact with electrons differ according to bond strength, polarity and surrounding atoms
Infrared Spectroscopy
Powerful nondestructive analytical tool used by chemists and non chemists in structure determination
and compound matching by using IR absorption
Used in imaging, heat-sensing, forensic analysis, criminal investigation, chemical analysis quality
control and compound identification
IR region = 4000 400 cm-1 or 8x10-5 cm to 1.2x10-2 cm
IR Vibration Interactions
Hookes Law

A bond is like a spring to vibrate it, energy is needed, which is proportional to wavenumber.
Applying Hookes Law and BDE
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Explain the given data using Hookes Law and BDE

Single bonds

Multiple bonds

General IR Regions
Diagnostic and Fingerprint Regions

In practice, for structure determination, diagnostic region is used (4000 1500 cm-1) while, for
compound identification, diagnostic and fingerprint ( 1500 400 cm-1) regions are used
Hybridization Effect

% s-character decreases bond length or increases BDE higher E or wavenumber

Alkanes vs. Alkenes vs. Alkynes
Resonance Effect

Conjugation (alternating double-single-double bonds) allow for resonance effect

Conjugation decreases double-bond character lowers E or wavenumber
Dipole moments
IR active: dipole moment () interacts with electric field.
When
decreases

IR inactive: non-polar
Vibration produces no change in electric dipole and there is no absorption
Signal Intensity
The more polar the bonds, the stronger the signals
Vibration
oscillates between maximum and minimum bond lengths changing dipoles ( = e x
d). Less-polar bonds would absorb IR rad less (e is small) and non-polar bonds would not absorb
(e is zero)

Increasing number of bonds also increases signal intensity

Signal Shape
Broad
signals: hydrogen bonding weakens O-H bond but there is a broad range of weakening in
different molecules
Amines

Primary amines have two H atoms: symmetric and asymmetric stretching modes are possible

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giving rise to two signals

Analyzing IR Spectrum

Set goal

Practice
Characterization of functional groups
Compound identification
Homework

Online tutorial
Interpreting Spectra

Correlation table
Look for functional groups
Look for bond energies and EN atoms

Predict IR Absorptions
Conclusion

IR is most powerful when fingerprinting a molecule from databases

In lab, it is easy to confirm the identity of a known compound
IR is extremely useful in determination of various classes of compounds
IR can be used to track reaction progress

Goals

Critical skill: interpret IR spectra

Critical skill: structure elucidation in combination of other spectroscopy methods

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