FTIR - Introduction

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 - Introduction identifying types of chemical bonds

(functional groups). The wavelength of
FTIR is most useful for identifying light absorbed is characteristic of the
chemicals that are either organic or chemical bond as can be seen in this
inorganic. It can be utilized to quantitate annotated spectrum.
some components of an unknown
mixture. It can be applied to the By interpreting the infrared absorption
analysis of solids, liquids, and gasses. spectrum, the chemical bonds in a
The term Fourier Transform Infrared molecule can be determined. FTIR
Spectroscopy (FTIR) refers to a fairly spectra of pure compounds are
recent development in the manner in generally so unique that they are like a
which the data is collected and molecular "fingerprint". While organic
converted from an interference pattern compounds have very rich, detailed
to a spectrum. Today's FTIR spectra, inorganic compounds are
instruments are computerized which usually much simpler. For most
makes them faster and more sensitive common materials, the spectrum of an
than the older dispersive instruments. unknown can be identified by
comparison to a library of known
compounds. We have several infrared
Qualitative Analysis spectral libraries including on-line
computer libraries. To identify less
FTIR can be used to identify chemicals common materials, IR will need to be
from spills, paints, polymers, coatings, combined with nuclear magnetic
drugs, and contaminants. FTIR is resonance, mass spectrometry,
perhaps the most powerful tool for emission spectroscopy, X-ray
diffraction, and/or other techniques.
Quantitative Analysis frequencies at which it can vibrate.
According to quantum mechanics,
Because the strength of the absorption these frequencies correspond to the
is proportional to the concentration, ground state (lowest frequency) and
FTIR can be used for some quantitative several excited states (higher
analyses. Usually these are rather frequencies). One way to cause the
simple types of tests in the frequency of a molecular vibration to
concentration range of a few ppm up to increase is to excite the bond by having
the percent level. For example, EPA it absorb light energy. For any given
test methods 418.1 and 413.2 measure transition between two states the light
the C-H absorption for either petroleum energy (determined by the wavelength)
or total hydrocarbons. The amount of must exactly equal the difference in the
silica trapped on an industrial hygiene energy between the two states [usually
filter is determined by FTIR using ground state (E0) and the first excited
NIOSH method 7602. state (E1)].
The energy corresponding to these

Physical Principles transitions between molecular
vibrational states is generally 1-10
Molecular bonds vibrate at various kilocalories/mole which corresponds to
frequencies depending on the elements the infrared portion of the
and the type of bonds. For any given electromagnetic spectrum.
bond, there are several specific
Difference in Energy of
=
Energy States Light Absorbed
E1 - E0 = h c / l
Where h = Planks constant

c = speed of light, and
l = the wavelength of light.
Sample Preparation Solutions can also be analyzed in a

liquid cell. This is a small container
Samples for FTIR can be prepared in a made from NaCl (or other IR-
number of ways. For liquid samples, transparent material) which can be
the easiest is to place one drop of filled with liquid, such as the extract for
sample between two plates of sodium EPA 418.1 analysis. This creates a
chloride (salt). Salt is transparent to longer path length for the sample,
infrared light. The drop forms a thin film which leads to increased sensitivity.
between the plates. Solid samples can Sampling methods include making a
be milled with potassium bromide (KBr) mull of a powder with a hydrocarbon oil
to form a very fine powder. This powder (Nujol) or pyrolyzing insoluble polymers
is then compressed into a thin pellet and using the distilled pyrolyzate to
which can be analyzed. KBr is also cast a film.Matrials can be placed in an
transparent in the IR. Alternatively, solid Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) cell
samples can be dissolved in a solvent and gases in gas cells.
such as methylene chloride, and the
solution placed onto a single salt plate. FTIR-Microscope
The solvent is then evaporated off,
leaving a thin film of the original For small samples or samples with
material on the plate. This is called a surface contamination visible to the
cast film, and is frequently used for naked eye, a microscope attachment
polymer identification. can be used to obtain reflectance or
transmitance spectra on particles as
small as 20 microns.
FTIR-Microscope

FTIR - Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FTIR - Introduction

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

FTIR - Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

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

FTIR - Introduction identifying types of chemical bonds

The energy corresponding to these

Where h = Planks constant

Sample Preparation Solutions can also be analyzed in a

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.