Infrared spectroscopy
(a) infrared (IR) radiation causes covalent bonds to vibrate more and absorb energy
(b) absorption of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases containing C=O, O–H and C–H bonds (e.g. H2O, CO2 and CH4), the suspected link to
global warming and resulting changes to energy usage
(c) use of an infrared spectrum of an organic compound to identify:
(i) an alcohol from an absorption peak of the O–H bond
(ii) an aldehyde or ketone from an absorption peak of the C=O bond
(iii) a carboxylic acid from an absorption peak of the C=O bond and a broad absorption peak of the O–H bond
(d) interpretations and predictions of an infrared spectrum of familiar or unfamiliar substances using supplied data
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(e) use of infrared spectroscopy to monitor gases causing air pollution (e.g. CO and NO from car emissions) and in modern breathalysers to
measure ethanol in the breath
Mass spectrometry
(f) use of a mass spectrum of an organic compound to identify the molecular ion peak and hence to determine molecular mass
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(g) analysis of fragmentation peaks in a mass spectrum to identify parts of structures.
(h) deduction of the structures of organic compounds from different analytical data including:
(i) elemental analysis
(ii) mass spectra
(iii) IR spectra.
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