Infrared spectroscopy carbonyl functional groups

Different types of carbonyl groups give characteristic strong absorptions at different positions in the infrared spectrum. As a result, infrared spectroscopy is often the best method to detect and differentiate these carboxylic acid derivatives. Table 21-3 summarizes the characteristic IR absorptions of carbonyl functional groups. As in Chapter 12, we are using about 1710 cm-1 for simple ketones and acids as a standard for comparison. Appendix 2 gives a more complete table of characteristic IR frequencies. 

One of the main routine uses of infrared spectroscopy is identification of specific functional groups present in an unknown molecule and, as a result, further characterization of the unknown. By far the most common example involves the carbonyl group. Location of a strong band in the infrared in the vicinity of 1730cm is almost certain proof that carbonyl functionality is present. This confidence is based on the fact that the characteristic frequency (the CO stretch in this case) is isolated, that is to say, it is sufficiently far removed from the other bands in the infrared spectrum to not be confused with them. It also assumes that carbonyl groups in different chemical environments will exhibit similar characteristic... 

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was also used to study the anisotropic structure of polyimide films. This work was based on the fact that there are characteristic absorptions associated with in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations of some functional groups, such as the carbonyl doublet absorption bands at 1700-1800 cm . The origin of this doublet has been attributed to the in-phase (symmetrical stretching) and out-of-phase (asymmetrical stretching) coupled... 

The role of specific interactions in the plasticization of PVC has been proposed from work on specific interactions of esters in solvents (eg, hydrogenated chlorocarbons) (13), work on blends of polyesters with PVC (14—19), and work on plasticized PVC itself (20—23). Modes of interaction between the carbonyl functionality of the plasticizer ester or polyester were proposed, mostly on the basis of results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ftir). Shifts in the absorption frequency of the carbonyl group of the plasticizer ester to lower wave number, indicative of a reduction in polarity (ie, some interaction between this functionality and the polymer) have been reported (20—22). Work performed with dibutyl phthalate (22) suggests an optimum concentration at which such interactions are maximized. Spectral shifts are in the range 3—8 cm-1. Similar shifts have also been reported in blends of PVC with polyesters (14—20), again showing a concentration dependence of the shift to lower wave number of the ester carbonyl absorption frequency. 

Infrared spectroscopy is an extremely useful tool for detecting the presence and type of functional group. Strong absorption bands are characteristic of various classes of monosaccharides containing a carbonyl group. 

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