Infrared Spectral Interpretation I

Instructor: Dr. Brian C. Smith

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Course Length: 8 hours

Why take this course?

• Discover a proven 12-step program for interpreting spectra successfully
• Learn to perform spectral comparisons (identities) properly
• Improve your interpretation skills by working problems in IR Spectral Interpretation Workshops

 

Course Outline

I. The Fundamentals of Infrared Interpretation

• A. The Properties of Light
• B. Molecular Vibrations
• C. The Meaning of Peak Positions, Heights, and Widths
• D. A Systematic Approach to Spectral Interpretation
  1. Dealing with Mixtures
  2. Performing Identities Properly
  3. A Systematic 12-Step Approach to Successful Infrared Interpretation

 

II. Functional Group Analysis of Hydrocarbons

• A. Alkanes: C-H Stretching and Bending Vibrations
  1. Straight Chain Alkanes
  2. Estimating Hydrocarbon Chain Length from IR Spectra
• B. Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  1. Mono-Substituted Benzene Rings
  2. Distinguishing Ortho, Meta, and Para Isomers

 

III. Alcohols & Phenols

• A. Differentiating Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Alcohols
• B. Phenols
• C. Distinguishing Alcohols from Water

 

IV. The Carbonyl (C=O) Functional Group

• A. Intro. to Carbonyl Spectra
• B. Ketones
• C. Esters: The Rule of 3
• D. Summary

 

V. Introduction to the Infrared Spectra of Polymers

• A. Low and High Density Polyethylene
• B. Polypropylene
• C. Polystyrene
• D. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• E. Acrylates