Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a powerful tool for identifying types of chemical bonds in a molecule by producing an infrared absorption spectrum that is like a molecular ” fingerprint”.
FTIR is most useful for identifying chemicals that are either organic or inorganic. It can be utilized to quantitate some components of an unknown mixture. The term Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) refers to a fairly recent development in the manner in which the data is collected and converted from an interference pattern to a spectrum. Today’s FTIR instruments are computerized which makes them faster and more sensitive than the older dispersive instruments.
FTIR is perhaps the most powerful tool for identifying the certain types of chemical bonds (functional groups). The wavelength of light absorbance is the characteristic of the chemical bond as can be seen in this annotated spectrum.
By interpreting the infrared absorption spectrum, the chemical bonds in a molecule can be determined. FTIR spectra of pure compounds are generally so unique that they are like a molecular ” fingerprint” . While organic compounds have very rich, detailed spectra, inorganic compounds are usually much simpler. For most common materials, the spectrum of an unknown can be identified by comparison to a library of known compounds. We have several infrared spectral libraries including on-line computer libraries.
