Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and study the chemical composition of various substances. One of the critical components of this process is the choice of solvent used to prepare solid samples.
Which solvent is normally used in IR spectroscopy? (4 Key Points Explained)
1. Solubility
Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) is a versatile solvent that can dissolve many organic compounds. This solubility is crucial for preparing a concentrated solution of the sample. It ensures that the sample can be effectively analyzed in the IR spectroscopy setup.
2. Absorption Bands
All solvents, including dichloromethane, have their own characteristic absorption bands in the IR spectrum. However, dichloromethane is often preferred because its absorption bands do not typically interfere with the important bands of the sample. This is particularly important when obtaining a spectrum of the solvent as a baseline to automatically subtract it from the sample spectrum, ensuring that the resulting spectrum is clear and interpretable.
3. Avoidance of Water
Solvents containing water should be avoided as they can dissolve KBr plates or cause them to fog up. The broad water band might mask important bands of the compound. Dichloromethane is anhydrous, making it a suitable choice for IR spectroscopy where water interference is a concern.
4. Practicality
The use of dichloromethane is practical in a laboratory setting. It is readily available, and its handling is well-understood by chemists. Additionally, the method of preparing the sample by either placing a small amount directly on the plates and adding one drop of solvent or dissolving it in a small test tube first and transferring the solution with a pipet onto the IR plates is straightforward and commonly used.
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