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