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IR Spectroscopy

For help with the theory behind IR spectroscopic techniques and the interpretation of spectra, click on the links below. To go back to the analysis main page click here

Infra-Red Absorption Spectroscopy - Theoretical Principles

A basic presention with animated diagrams to show vibrations and rotations, and a quiz to test understanding.

Introduction to IR Spectroscopy

A short introduction to IR Spectroscopy with example spectra. Click on the link Table of IR absorptions for a table of characteristic absorption regions in the IR spectrum for a range of functional groups.

Tutorials

Basic Infrared Spectroscopy

A good introduction to IR Spectroscopy. Includes: Background, Functional Group Correlation Chart, Characteristic Functional Group Absorption and 10 sample infrared spectra to interpret, with guidance.

Infrared Absorption Frequencies

This site has more tutorials for interpreting the spectra of unknowns. A brief introduction is followed by a table of characteristic absorption frequencies and guidelines for interepreting spectra. Finally there are six spectra of unknown compounds to interpret.

Animated Infra-red Spectroscopy

This site helps you recognise characteristic peaks in an IR Spectrum. Select one of the compounds listed by compound name, functional group or formula. The programme will display the IR Spectrum. Then click on any of the peaks to see an animation of the molecular vibration.

The IR Helper

Eighteen spectra of increasing difficulty to interpret. Select a spectrum, and then answer the questions that guide you through determining the unknown. Good explanations are given if the wrong answer is selected.

Tools/Databases

Integrated Spectral Database System for Organic Compuounds

Use this database to search through 47000 IR Spectra. Simply enter compound name, molecular formula, number of atoms, molecular weight, or CAS registry number. Probably the best site of its kind. Click here for extra help on how to search.

IR Wizard

A useful tool for interpreting spectra. Enter a wave number into the IR wizard box, and the programme returns possible groups responsible for the absorption..

Chemistry WebBook

Very useful site for obtaining spectra and data for a specific compound or helping to determine unknowns. Enter either the chemical formula, name, CAS registry number, molecular weight or structure. The web book will retrieve the IR spectrum of the compound requested. Search details may be incomplete, in which case the Web Book wil provide a list of possible structures.

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Designed by
Andrew Gray, Emma Downie,
Sarah Hardcastle, Scott Baxter, and James Duncan.
Thanks to; Prof Tasker, Prof Yellowlees, Dr. Paul Murray and all those members of staff that gave up time to assist us.
This website is an ongoing project, adapted from work by Alexander Delf, Louise Speedie and Stuart Tindal