In an IR spectrum, what is the region of the spectrum BELOW #1300*cm^-1# commonly called?

1 Answer
anor277
May 26, 2017

The so-called #"fingerprint region"# of an IR spectrum...........

Explanation:

The so-called #"fingerprint region"# of an IR spectrum is the region below #1300*cm^-1#, where interactions between groups and bonds result in complex deformations of symmetry, and result in absorptions EXCLUSIVE to the particular molecule. Even in the simplest molecules it is not amenable to simple analysis, and it can be (sometimes) used for identification hence #"fingerprint"#.

See the links here for examples as to how IR spectroscopy is used. As explained in the links, #"IR spectroscopy"# is very much a #"sporting method of analysis"#. Why? Because its use involves a lot of supposition and inference.

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