Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

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Visualizing Propane: Molecular Structure in 3D. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Samana - stock.adobe.com.

In the fourth installment of our review of infrared spectral interpretation, we will discuss the spectroscopy of hydrocarbons. We will look at the stretching and bending vibrations of methyl (CH3) and methylene (CH2) groups, how to distinguish them, and how to know whether one or both of these functional groups are present in a sample. We will also discuss aromatic hydrocarbons, specifically the C-H stretching and bending peaks of mono- and disubstituted benzene rings, and how to distinguish them.

Stunning abstract visualization of dynamic atoms and molecules for scientific research and technology concepts. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © pranee - stock.adobe.com.

It has occurred to me that, in the 10+ years I have been writing about molecular vibrations, I have never introduced my readers to its basic theory! I will rectify that now. Some of this is new material, and some will be review. Either way, it is important that all this material be covered in one place.

Close-up side shot of hands shows microplastic waste contaminated with the seaside sand. Microplastics are contaminated in the sea. Concept of water pollution and global warming. | Image Credit: © Pcess609 - stock.adobe.com

A new study in Infrared Physics & Technology highlights the pivotal role of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in identifying and quantifying microplastics, emphasizing its advantages, limitations, and potential for advancement in mitigating environmental pollution.

3D render of a protein structure © VRAYVENUS - stock.adobe.com

A recent study by researchers from the University of Belgrade highlights the transformative potential of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy for analyzing protein structures. This versatile method not only provides insights into secondary structures but also excels at tracking aggregation processes, offering advantages over traditional techniques like X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

The future portable and wearable technology © Nicolas - stock.adobe.com

The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.

Highlighting artificial intelligence and data analysis applications © Gophotograph - stock.adobe.com

Over the past two years Spectroscopy Magazine has increased our coverage of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) and the mathematical approaches relevant to the AI topic. In this article we summarize AI coverage and provide the reference links for a series of selected articles specifically examining these subjects. The resources highlighted in this overview article include those from the Analytically Speaking podcasts, the Chemometrics in Spectroscopy column, and various feature articles and news stories published in Spectroscopy. Here, we provide active links to each of the full articles or podcasts resident on the Spectroscopy website.