2
$\begingroup$

I've recently started learning about IR spectroscopy, and a common trend I'm seeing in my textbook and other sources is that not all the features in the IR spectrum are explained in detail. The focus is primarily on features whose results are known, and there is quite a bit of backward reasoning in deriving the structures of compounds from their IR spectra.

Consider the IR spectrum for Decane: enter image description here

Here, what are the features causing absorption in the $\pu{720 cm^{-1}}$ range? Morrison Boyd states that C-C stretching causes absorption in the $\pu{1500-1600 cm^{-1}}$ range, and the absorption in the $\pu{3000 cm^{-1}}$ is explained in the figure, but I am unable to explain the other absorption.

Another example is the IR spectrum for Butanamine: enter image description here

Here, what is causing the large absorption in the sub-$\pu{1000 cm^{-1}}$ region? Wouldn't such a large absorption at this frequency indicate unsaturation? How are we deducing then that it is an alkane?

The lack of explanation is a common feature for a lot of IR spectra presented in the text. Is this normal for someone learning IR spectra at this level? Also, any suggestions for other references for learning about IR/NMR spectra in more detail are appreciated.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Hesse, Meier, Zeeh is the standard OC spectroscopy textbook. $\endgroup$ – Karl Jan 7 at 9:32
  • $\begingroup$ chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/60019/… $\endgroup$ – Karl Jan 7 at 9:33
  • $\begingroup$ Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry by Williams & Fleming is a good textbook for this springer.com/gp/book/9783030182519 $\endgroup$ – Waylander Jan 7 at 12:17
  • $\begingroup$ Please remember that IR spectroscopy is just a tool. It is mostly used for identifying important functional groups. Hence, instead of analysing the fingerprint region, which is tricky, we could simply use other methods, such as HNMR (which could be explained in depth). $\endgroup$ – cngzz1 Jan 8 at 0:18
4
$\begingroup$

In IR, wavenumbers below 1500/cm are called the "fingerprint" region. It's very tricky to assign anything there, because the transitions don't relate to specific bonds, but come from larger structures.

If you look deeper into the literature, you will surely find an explanation for that big hump at 800something inverse centimeters.

Generally, two substances with matching fingerprint region in the IR can safely be regarded as identical, but you cannot draw conclusions about the molecular structure. Hence the name.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.