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                                     FTIR Analysis 

 

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FTIR Analysis: What Is It?

The most common type of infrared spectroscopy is FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis. All infrared spectroscopies work on the principle that some infrared (IR) radiation is absorbed when it passes through a sample. First and foremost, it does not destroy the sample. Second, it is much faster than older techniques. Third, it is significantly more sensitive and precise. 

How does FTIR analysis work?

The FTIR instrument passes infrared radiation ranging from 10,000 to 100 cm-1 through a sample, with some absorbed and some passing through. The sample molecules convert the absorbed radiation into rotational and/or vibrational energy. The resulting signal at the detector appears as a spectrum, typically ranging from 4000 cm-1 to 400cm-1, representing the sample’s molecular fingerprint. Because each molecule or chemical structure produces a distinct spectral fingerprint, FTIR analysis is an excellent tool for chemical identification.

HOW TO INTERPRET FTIR SPECTRUM?

The absorbed bands in the spectrum are only marginally discrete and degenerative. The specific “peak” of energy at a given wavenumber can shift due to other chemical and matrix factors (as well as by the way the incident energy is introduced). As a result, we don’t simply have a “look up” table that tells us where a specific band of energy belongs. The spectrum must be interpreted as a whole system, requiring the most experienced analysts in all spectrographic techniques to accurately characterize the functionality presented.
Although FTIR analysis is typically used to identify materials, it can also be used to quantify specific functional groups when the chemistry is understood and standard reference materials are available. The absorbance intensity will be proportional to the amount of functionality present in the sample. 

It is necessary to determine which groups and bonds correspond to which peaks when reading the spectrum. Here is a simple reference tables for the various groups.

 
Frequency RangeAbsorption (cm-1)AppearanceGroupCompound ClassComments
4000-3000 cm-13700-3584medium, sharpO-H stretchingalcoholfree
 3550-3200strong, broadO-H stretchingalcoholintermolecular bonded
 3500mediumN-H stretchingprimary amine 
 3400    
 3400-3300mediumN-H stretchingaliphatic primary amine 
 3330-3250    
 3350-3310mediumN-H stretchingsecondary amine 
 3300-2500strong, broadO-H stretchingcarboxylic acidusually centered on 3000 cm-1
 3200-2700weak, broadO-H stretchingalcoholintramolecular bonded
 3000-2800strong, broadN-H stretchingamine salt 
3000-2500 cm-1     
3000-2500 cm-13333-3267strong, sharpC-H stretchingalkyne 
 3100-3000mediumC-H stretchingalkene 
 3000-2840mediumC-H stretchingalkane 
 2830-2695mediumC-H stretchingaldehydedoublet
 2600-2550weakS-H stretchingthiol 
2400-2000 cm-1     
2400-2000 cm-12349strongO=C=O stretchingcarbon dioxide 
 2275-2250strong, broadN=C=O stretchingisocyanate 
 2260-2222weakCΞN stretchingnitrile 
 2260-2190weakCΞC stretchingalkynedisubstituted
 2175-2140strongS-CΞN stretchingthiocyanate 
 2160-2120strongN=N=N stretchingazide 
 2150 C=C=O stretchingketene 
 2145-2120strongN=C=N stretchingcarbodiimide 
 2140-2100weakCΞC stretchingalkynemonosubstituted
 2140-1990strongN=C=S stretchingisothiocyanate 
 2000-1900mediumC=C=C stretchingallene 
 2000 C=C=N stretchingketenimine 
2000-1650 cm-1     
2000-1650 cm-12000-1650weakC-H bendingaromatic compoundovertone
      
 1870-1540    
 1818strongC=O stretchinganhydride 
 1750    
 1815-1785strongC=O stretchingacid halide 
 1800-1770strongC=O stretchingconjugated acid halide 
 1775strongC=O stretchingconjugated anhydride 
 1720    
 1770-1780strongC=O stretchingvinyl / phenyl ester 
 1760strongC=O stretchingcarboxylic acidmonomer
 1750-1735strongC=O stretchingesters6-membered lactone
 1750-1735strongC=O stretchingδ-lactoneγ: 1770
 1745strongC=O stretchingcyclopentanone 
 1740-1720strongC=O stretchingaldehyde 
 1730-1715strongC=O stretchingα,β-unsaturated esteror formates
 1725-1705strongC=O stretchingaliphatic ketoneor cyclohexanone or cyclopentenone
 1720-1706strongC=O stretchingcarboxylic aciddimer
 1710-1680strongC=O stretchingconjugated aciddimer
 1710-1685strongC=O stretchingconjugated aldehyde 
 1690strongC=O stretchingprimary amidefree (associated: 1650)
 1690-1640mediumC=N stretchingimine / oxime 
 1685-1666strongC=O stretchingconjugated ketone 
 1680strongC=O stretchingsecondary amidefree (associated: 1640)
 1680strongC=O stretchingtertiary amidefree (associated: 1630)
 1650strongC=O stretchingδ-lactamγ: 1750-1700 β: 1760-1730
1670-1600 cm-1     
1670-1600 cm-11678-1668weakC=C stretchingalkenedisubstituted (trans)
 1675-1665weakC=C stretchingalkenetrisubstituted
 1675-1665weakC=C stretchingalkenetetrasubstituted
 1662-1626mediumC=C stretchingalkenedisubstituted (cis)
 1658-1648mediumC=C stretchingalkenevinylidene
 1650-1600mediumC=C stretchingconjugated alkene 
 1650-1580mediumN-H bendingamine 
 1650-1566mediumC=C stretchingcyclic alkene 
 1648-1638strongC=C stretchingalkenemonosubstituted
 1620-1610strongC=C stretchingα,β-unsaturated ketone 
1600-1300 cm-1     
1600-1300 cm-11550-1500strongN-O stretchingnitro compound 
 1372-1290    
 1465mediumC-H bendingalkanemethylene group
 1450mediumC-H bendingalkanemethyl group
 1375    
 1390-1380mediumC-H bendingaldehyde 
 1385-1380mediumC-H bendingalkanegem dimethyl
 1370-1365    
1400-1000 cm-1     
1400-1000 cm-11440-1395mediumO-H bendingcarboxylic acid 
 1420-1330mediumO-H bendingalcohol 
 1415-1380strongS=O stretchingsulfate 
 1200-1185    
 1410-1380strongS=O stretchingsulfonyl chloride 
 1204-1177    
 1400-1000strongC-F stretchingfluoro compound 
 1390-1310mediumO-H bendingphenol 
 1372-1335strongS=O stretchingsulfonate 
 1195-1168    
 1370-1335strongS=O stretchingsulfonamide 
 1170-1155    
 1350-1342strongS=O stretchingsulfonic acidanhydrous
 1165-1150   hydrate: 1230-1120
 1350-1300strongS=O stretchingsulfone 
 1160-1120    
 1342-1266strongC-N stretchingaromatic amine 
 1310-1250strongC-O stretchingaromatic ester 
 1275-1200strongC-O stretchingalkyl aryl ether 
 1075-1020    
 1250-1020mediumC-N stretchingamine 
 1225-1200strongC-O stretchingvinyl ether 
 1075-1020    
 1210-1163strongC-O stretchingester 
 1205-1124strongC-O stretchingtertiary alcohol 
 1150-1085strongC-O stretchingaliphatic ether 
 1124-1087strongC-O stretchingsecondary alcohol 
 1085-1050strongC-O stretchingprimary alcohol 
 1070-1030strongS=O stretchingsulfoxide 
 1050-1040strong, broadCO-O-CO stretchinganhydride 
1000-650 cm-1     
1000-650 cm-1995-985strongC=C bendingalkenemonosubstituted
 915-905    
 980-960strongC=C bendingalkenedisubstituted (trans)
 895-885strongC=C bendingalkenevinylidene
 850-550strongC-Cl stretchinghalo compound 
 840-790mediumC=C bendingalkenetrisubstituted
 730-665strongC=C bendingalkenedisubstituted (cis)
 690-515strongC-Br stretchinghalo compound 
 600-500strongC-I stretchinghalo compound 
900-700 cm-1     
900-700 cm-1880 ± 20strongC-H bending1,2,4-trisubstituted 
 810 ± 20    
 880 ± 20strongC-H bending1,3-disubstituted 
 780 ± 20    
 (700 ± 20)    
 810 ± 20strongC-H bending1,4-disubstituted or 
    1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted 
 780 ± 20strongC-H bending1,2,3-trisubstituted 
 (700 ± 20)    
 755 ± 20strongC-H bending1,2-disubstituted 
 750 ± 20strongC-H bendingmonosubstituted 
 700 ± 20  benzene derivative 
Table 1

 

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Table 2. 

Compound ClassGroupAbsorption (cm-1)AppearanceComments
acid halideC=O stretching1815-1785strong 
alcoholsO-H stretching3700-3584medium, sharpfree
 O-H stretching3550-3200strong, broadintermolecular bonded
 O-H stretching3200-2700weak, broadintramolecular bonded
 O-H bending1420-1330medium 
aldehydeC-H stretching2830-2695mediumdoublet
 C=O stretching1740-1720strong 
 C-H bending1390-1380medium 
aliphatic etherC-O stretching1150-1085strong 
aliphatic ketoneC=O stretching1725-1705strongor cyclohexanone or cyclopentenone
aliphatic primary amineN-H stretching3400-3300medium 
alkaneC-H stretching3000-2840medium 
 C-H bending1465mediummethylene group
 C-H bending1450mediummethyl group
 C-H bending1385-1380mediumgem dimethyl
 C-H stretching3100-3000medium 
 C=C stretching1678-1668weakdisubstituted (trans)
 C=C stretching1675-1665weaktrisubstituted
 C=C stretching1675-1665weaktetrasubstituted
 C=C stretching1662-1626mediumdisubstituted (cis)
 C=C stretching1658-1648mediumvinylidene
 C=C stretching1648-1638strongmonosubstituted
 C=C bending995-985strongmonosubstituted
 C=C bending980-960strongdisubstituted (trans)
 C=C bending895-885strongvinylidene
 C=C bending840-790mediumtrisubstituted
 C=C bending730-665strongdisubstituted (cis)
alkyl aryl etherC-O stretching1275-1200strong 
alkyneC-H stretching3333-3267strong, sharp 
 CΞC stretching2260-2190weakdisubstituted
 CΞC stretching2140-2100weakmonosubstituted
alleneC=C=C stretching2000-1900medium 
amineN-H bending1650-1580medium 
 C-N stretching1250-1020medium 
amine saltN-H stretching3000-2800strong, broad 
anhydrideC=O stretching1818strong 
 CO-O-CO stretching1050-1040strong, broad 
aromatic amineC-N stretching1342-1266strong 
aromatic compoundC-H bending2000-1650weakovertone
aromatic esterC-O stretching1310-1250strong 
azideN=N=N stretching2160-2120strong 
benzene derivative 700 ± 20  
carbodiimideN=C=N stretching2145-2120strong 
carbon dioxideO=C=O stretching2349strong 
carboxylic acidO-H stretching3300-2500strong, broadusually centered on 3000 cm-1
 C=O stretching1760strongmonomer
 C=O stretching1720-1706strongdimer
 O-H bending1440-1395medium 
conjugated acidC=O stretching1710-1680strongdimer
conjugated acid halideC=O stretching1800-1770strong 
conjugated aldehydeC=O stretching1710-1685strong 
conjugated alkeneC=C stretching1650-1600medium 
conjugated anhydrideC=O stretching1775strong 
conjugated ketoneC=O stretching1685-1666strong 
cyclic alkeneC=C stretching1650-1566medium 
cyclopentanoneC=O stretching1745strong 
esterC-O stretching1210-1163strong 
estersC=O stretching1750-1735strong6-membered lactone
fluoro compoundC-F stretching1400-1000strong 
halo compoundC-Cl stretching850-550strong 
 C-Br stretching690-515strong 
 C-I stretching600-500strong 
imine / oximeC=N stretching1690-1640medium 
isocyanateN=C=O stretching2275-2250strong, broad 
isothiocyanateN=C=S stretching2140-1990strong 
keteneC=C=O stretching2150  
ketenimineC=C=N stretching2000  
monosubstitutedC-H bending750 ± 20strong 
nitrileCΞN stretching2260-2222weak 
nitro compoundN-O stretching1550-1500strong 
none 3330-3250  
none 1870-1540  
none 1750  
none 1720  
none 1372-1290  
none 1375  
none 1370-1365  
none 1200-1185  
none 1204-1177  
none 1195-1168  
none 1170-1155  
none 1165-1150 hydrate: 1230-1120
none 1160-1120  
none 1075-1020  
none 1075-1020  
none 915-905  
none 810 ± 20  
none 780 ± 20  
none (700 ± 20)  
none (700 ± 20)  
phenolO-H bending1390-1310medium 
primary alcoholC-O stretching1085-1050strong 
primary amideC=O stretching1690strongfree (associated: 1650)
 N-H stretching3500medium 
secondary alcoholC-O stretching1124-1087strong 
secondary amideC=O stretching1680strongfree (associated: 1640)
secondary amineN-H stretching3350-3310medium 
sulfateS=O stretching1415-1380strong 
sulfonamideS=O stretching1370-1335strong 
sulfonateS=O stretching1372-1335strong 
sulfoneS=O stretching1350-1300strong 
sulfonic acidS=O stretching1350-1342stronganhydrous
sulfonyl chlorideS=O stretching1410-1380strong 
sulfoxideS=O stretching1070-1030strong 
tertiary alcoholC-O stretching1205-1124strong 
tertiary amideC=O stretching1680strongfree (associated: 1630)
thiocyanateS-CΞN stretching2175-2140strong 
thiolS-H stretching2600-2550weak 
vinyl / phenyl esterC=O stretching1770-1780strong 
vinyl etherC-O stretching1225-1200strong 
α,β-unsaturated esterC=O stretching1730-1715strongor formates
α,β-unsaturated ketoneC=C stretching1620-1610strong 
δ-lactamC=O stretching1650strongγ: 1750-1700 β: 1760-1730
δ-lactoneC=O stretching1750-1735strongγ: 1770
1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted    
1,2,3-trisubstitutedC-H bending780 ± 20strong 
 C-H bending880 ± 20strong 
1,2-disubstitutedC-H bending755 ± 20strong 
 C-H bending880 ± 20strong 
1,4-disubstituted orC-H bending810 ± 20strong

What does FTIR serve as a tool for?

Unknown materials (e.g., films, solids, powders, or liquids) and contamination on or in a material (e.g., particles, fibers, powders) can be identified and characterized by FTIR analysis.

FTIT sample preparation:

The ability to introduce and observe energy from a specific matrix is required for proper FTIR analysis. To properly analyse the sample, we have many sample preparation and introduction techniques available in the laboratory. Transmission was the only available method of analysis in the early days of infrared spectroscopy. For transmission analysis, the sample had to be made translucent to laser and infrared energy by directly inserting it into the optical path, casting a thin film on a salt crystal, or mixing a powder version of the sample with a salt and casting.
Today, however, we can use not only transmission techniques but also reflectance techniques. We generally rely on variations of ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) techniques to introduce and observe energy because we can focus and manipulate the incident beam with optics. ATR involves the use of an internal reflectance phenomenon to propagate incident energy. 

The beam is introduced into a crystal at an incident angle, allowing internal reflectance “bounces” at the bottom and top of the crystal before leaving on the opposite side. The sample is brought into contact with the crystal at the top, causing energy interaction at the crystal and sample interface, which is where the bounce positions are located. The more bounce positions there are, the greater the energy transfer (and thus the better the spectral response), but single bounce systems are used when a very small area needs to be analyzed.
A HATR (Horizontal Attenuated Total Reflectance) will be typically used for liquid and paste samples, which will involve placing the sample on a crystal plate or trough in a horizontal position so that gravity acts to make intimate contact with the cell. The depth of penetration into the sample can be varied by using different crystals. For example, we will use a germanium crystal for rubber analysis to limit the effect of highly IR absorbing materials in rubber (specifically carbon black), but the zinc selenide crystal is the crystal of choice for durability, moisture resistance, and penetration depth in normal everyday samples.

What are Advantages and Disadvantages of FTIR analysis?

Advantages:

  • Identify compounds as small as 10 to 20 microns
  • In many cases, the FTIR analysis does not harm the sample and does not alter it.
  • FTIR analysis measures absorbance bands across the mid-Infrared spectrum simultaneously, allowing for a large amount of analytical information to be obtained quickly.
  • Because wavelength measurement is absolute, analytical techniques such as spectral subtraction are quick and highly accurate.

Disadvantages:

  • Because FTIR analysis exposes the sample to all mid-infrared frequencies at the same time, noise in one part of the radiation from the infrared source will spread throughout the spectrum.
  • FTIR analysis can be affected by changes in atmospheric conditions, making it difficult to use on highly sensitive samples or samples that must be studied over a long period of time.
  • Because FTIR is a bulk analysis method, it is best suited to locating and identifying broad categories of substances in a compound; however, it is less capable of identifying trace amounts of materials in mixtures with other materials.

Different types of FTIR Analysis

Transmission FTIR: In this method, the sample is placed between two transparent windows, and the infrared light passes through the sample. The amount of light absorbed by the sample at each frequency is measured, and this data is used to construct a spectrum of the sample’s chemical composition. This method is useful for analyzing samples that are transparent to infrared radiation.

Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) FTIR: In this method, the sample is placed in contact with a crystal surface, and the infrared light is absorbed by the sample at the surface. The amount of light absorbed by the sample at each frequency is measured, and this data is used to construct a spectrum of the sample’s chemical composition. This method is useful for analyzing samples that are not transparent to infrared radiation, such as liquids or solids.

Diffuse Reflectance FTIR: In this method, the sample is ground into a powder and placed on a reflective surface, and the infrared light is reflected off the sample. The amount of light absorbed by the sample at each frequency is measured, and this data is used to construct a spectrum of the sample’s chemical composition. This method is useful for analyzing samples that are difficult to prepare in a thin, transparent film, such as powders or rough surfaces.

Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy (FT-Raman): In this method, the sample is irradiated with a laser, and the scattered light is analyzed by a Fourier transform spectrometer. The frequency of the scattered light is shifted due to interactions with the sample’s chemical bonds, and this shift is used to construct a spectrum of the sample’s chemical composition. This method is useful for analyzing samples that are not easily analyzed by FTIR, such as inorganic materials or samples with strong fluorescence.

Infrared Microscopy: In this method, a microscope is used to focus the infrared beam on a small area of the sample, allowing for spatially resolved measurements. The amount of light absorbed by the sample at each frequency is measured, and this data is used to construct a spectrum of the sample’s chemical composition. This method is useful for analyzing samples that have spatially varying chemical composition, such as polymer blends or biological tissues.

Reference  

 ANALYSIS OF INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (IR)

strengths and limitations of fifferent types of FTIR

Each type of FTIR analysis has its own strengths and limitations, and the choice of which method to use depends on the specific sample and analysis requirements.

Transmission FTIR is a commonly used method and is suitable for analyzing samples that are transparent to infrared radiation. It is also a relatively simple and straightforward method, and the data can be easily compared to reference spectra in a library.

ATR-FTIR is useful for analyzing samples that are not transparent to infrared radiation, and it can be used with a wide range of sample types, including liquids, solids, and powders. ATR-FTIR is also relatively easy to use, and the data can be compared to reference spectra in a library.

Diffuse Reflectance FTIR is useful for analyzing samples that are difficult to prepare in a thin, transparent film, such as powders or rough surfaces. It is also a relatively simple method and can be used to analyze a wide range of sample types.

FT-Raman spectroscopy is useful for analyzing samples that are not easily analyzed by FTIR, such as inorganic materials or samples with strong fluorescence. It can also be used to provide complementary information to FTIR analysis.

Infrared microscopy is useful for analyzing samples that have spatially varying chemical composition, such as polymer blends or biological tissues. It provides spatially resolved measurements and can be used to analyze small or complex samples.

In summary, the choice of which type of FTIR analysis to use depends on the specific sample and analysis requirements. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the most suitable method should be selected based on the nature of the sample and the analysis needs.

Is there any free FTIR database?

There are several free online databases of IR spectra, including:

  1. NIST Chemistry WebBook
  2. SDBS (Spectral Database for Organic Compounds)
  3. Sigma-Aldrich IR Spectra Library
  4. Spectral Database for Inorganic Compounds (SDBS)
  5. Organic Compounds Database (ThermoFisher Scientific)
  6. AIST Spectral Database for Organic Compounds (SDBS)

These databases can be useful for identifying unknown compounds and comparing spectra. 

 

Learn more about step-by-step analysis of FTIR results here

 

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We provide interpretation for raw data obtained from the following analytical methods:

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
Raman Spectroscopy
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry
X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)
Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)
Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM)
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS)

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