1st Edition

Infrared Spectral Interpretation A Systematic Approach

By Brian C. Smith Copyright 1999

    This author's second volume introduces basic principles of interpreting infrared spectral data, teaching its readers to make sense of the data coming from an infrared spectrometer. Contents include spectra and diagnostic bands for the more common functional groups as well as chapters on polyester spectra and interpretation aids.

    Discussions include:

    • Science of infrared interpretation
    • Light and molecular vibrations
    • How and why molecules absorb infrared radiation
    • Peak heights, intensities, and widths
    • Hydrocarbons, carbonyl groups, and molecules with C-N bonds
    • Polymers and inorganic molecules
    • The use of atlases, library searching, spectral subtraction, and the Internet in augmenting interpretation

    Each chapter presents an introduction to the nomenclature and structure of a specific functional group and proceeds with the important diagnostic bands for each group. Infrared Spectral Interpretation serves both novices and experienced practitioners in this field.

    The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.

    THE BASICS OF INFRARED INTERPRETATION
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Spectroscopy
    The Properties of Light
    What Are Infrared Spectra Used For?
    How Molecules Absorb Infrared Radiation
    The Origins of Peak Positions, Peak Intensities, and Peak Widths
    Dealing with Mixtures
    Performing Identities
    Infrared Spectral Interpretation: A Systematic 10-Step Approach
    HYDROCARBONS
    Straight Chain Alkanes
    Estimating Hydrocarbon Chain Length
    Branched Alkanes
    Alkenes
    Distinguishing cis and transisomers
    Alkynes
    Aromatic Hydrocarbons
    Distinguishing Mono and Di- Substituted Benzene Rings
    FUNCTIONAL GROUPS CONTAINING THE C-O BOND
    Alcohols and Phenols
    The Affects of Hydrogen Bonding
    Distinguishing Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Alcohols
    Ethers
    Distinguishing Saturated and Aromatic Ethers
    Methyl Groups Attached to an Oxygen
    THE CARBONYL GROUP
    Ketones
    Aldehydes
    Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
    Carboxylic Acids
    Carboxylates (soaps)
    Acid Anhydrides
    Esters
    Distinguishing Saturated and Aromatic Esters
    Organic Carbonates
    ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
    Amides
    Distinguishing Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Amides
    Proteins
    Imides
    Amines
    Distinguishing Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Amines
    Nitriles
    The Nitro Group
    ORGANIC COMPOUNDS CONTAINING SULFUR, SILICON, AND HALOGENS
    Organic Sulfur Compounds
    Thiols
    Sufloxides, Sulfates, etc.
    Organic Silicon Compounds
    Silicones (Siloxanes)
    Halogenated Organics
    C-X Stretches
    INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    The Impact of Water on Inorganic Spectra
    Sulfates
    Silica and Silicates
    Carbonates
    Nitrates
    Phosphates
    INFRARED SPECTRA OF POLYMERS
    Polyethylenes
    Polypropylene
    Polystyrene
    Polyesters
    Acrylates
    Isocyanates and Polyurethanes
    Polycarbonates
    Polyimides
    Polytetrafluoroethylene
    SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION AIDS
    Atlases
    Spectral Subtraction
    Library Searching
    "Expert" Software Programs
    The Internet

    Biography

    Dr. Brian C. Smith founded Spectros Associates in 1992. He has practiced spectroscopy for over 30 years, and has worked for companies such as Bell Labs and Bio-Rad. Dr. Smith is also an experienced trainer and thousands of people have benefited from his spectroscopy and software training. Dr. Smith is the author of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectral Interpretation, published by CRC Press, and Quantitative Spectroscopy: Theory and Practice, published by Academic Press. Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, and graduated summa cum laude from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Chemistry.

    "This clearly written book…is a useful addition…Smith's approach is practical; a short theoretical introduction is followed by chapters on compounds…plus a good index and glossary. A generous assortment of illustrations of spectra and problems with solutions…"
    -Choice Magazine, June 1999