Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and analyze chemical compounds. However, to ensure accurate and reliable results, it's crucial to follow certain precautions. Here are six key tips to keep in mind during IR spectroscopy.
What precautions should be taken during IR spectroscopy? (6 Key Tips)
1. Avoid crushing potassium bromide (KBr) to a very fine powder
Potassium bromide (KBr) is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment. Crushing it to a very fine powder can lead to the formation of bands in certain IR regions, which can interfere with your analysis.
2. Use transparent salts for solid samples
When preparing solid samples, use salts like NaCl or KBr that are transparent to IR radiation. These salts are commonly used as matrices for mixing your sample.
3. Avoid touching the faces of salt plates
When using the mull technique for preparing solid samples, avoid touching the faces of the salt plates. Touching the plates can introduce contaminants and affect the quality of your spectrum.
4. Be cautious with solvents
Be cautious when using solvents for sample preparation. Solvents containing water can dissolve KBr plates or cause them to fog up, obscuring important bands in your spectrum. It's recommended to either place a small amount of the compound directly on the plates and add a drop of solvent, or dissolve the compound in a separate test tube and transfer the solution onto the IR plates.
5. Clean KBr plates thoroughly
Clean the KBr plates thoroughly after each sample preparation to prevent contamination of future samples. Wipe the windows with a tissue, then wash them several times with the appropriate solvent, followed by ethanol. Use a polishing kit to ensure the window surface is clear and free from scratches.
6. Follow recommended conditions for sample preparation
When using a laboratory hydraulic press to create KBr pellets, follow the recommended conditions for sample preparation. These conditions include a 100:1 ratio of KBr to sample by weight, a pellet die of 13 mm, and a pressing load of 10 tons. For FTIR applications, 7 mm pellets can be prepared with as little as 2 tons of pressing load.
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