Infrared spectrometry

Question 1

How does IR spectrometry work?

Answer 1

IR light is shined at organic compounds, and different bonds absorb different frequencies of IR, which allows you to identify different organic groups / bonds in a compound.

Question 2

How do different bonds absorb different frequencies of IR?

Answer 2

All bonds have electrons that vibrate, but different bonds have electrons that vibrate at different rates and are therefore capable of absorbing different levels of IR.

Question 3

How do you read IR spectrum graphs??

Answer 3

You use the information given to you, showing each bonds wavenumber (the absorption of IR light), to identify each bond present in the organic compound. MAKE SURE YOU SAY ‘ABSORPTION AT’ INSTEAD OF ‘THERE IS A PEAK AT’

Question 4

What do almost all organic compounds have absorption at??

Answer 4

3000cm-1 due to C-H bonds