Chemistry Vignettes: IR Spectroscopy
A video that explains how the functional groups of a molecule can be identified by examining its IR spectrum.
Discuss how the pattern of the IR radiation absorption spectrum can be used to determine the functional groups present in the molecule.
Emphasize that every peak in the IR spectrum is characterized by its frequency, intensity, and shape of the band, and that these factors depend on the type of functional group present in the molecule.
Further, use the video to describe the fingerprint region of the IR spectrum; this region can be used to identify an unknown organic molecule.