infrared spectroscopy- universityof missouri- st. louis（红外光谱- universityof密苏里-圣路易斯）.docVIP

INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY Most of us are quite familiar with infrared radiation. We have seen infrared lamps keep food hot and often associate infrared radiation with heat. While the generation of heat is a probable event following the absorption of infrared radiation, it is important to distinguish between the two. Infrared is a form of radiation that can travel through a vacuum while heat is associated with the motion and kinetic energy of molecules. The concept of heat in a vacuum has no meaning because of the lack of molecules and molecular motion. Infrared spectroscopy is the study of how molecules absorb infrared radiation and ultimately convert it to heat. By examining how this occurs, we will not only learn about how infrared radiation is absorbed, but we will also learn about molecular structure and how the study of infrared spectroscopy can provide information about the structure of organic molecules. An infrared spectrum of a chemical substance, is very much like a photograph of a molecule. However, unlike a normal photograph that would reveal the position of nuclei, the infrared spectrum will only reveal a partial structure. It is the purpose of this narrative to provide you with the tools necessary to interpret infrared spectra, successfully. In some respects, this process is similar to reading an X-ray of the chest. While most of us could easily identify the gross structural features of the chest such as the ribs, most of us would need some guidance in identifying those features on the X-ray film associated with disease. In order to interpret infrared spectra, having some idea or model of the physical process involved when a molecule interacts with infrared radiation would be useful. You may recall in introductory chemistry, the discussion of how atoms interact with electromagnetic radiation led to the development of quantum theory and the introduction of quantum numbers. The interaction of infrared radiation with molecules requires a