ABSTRACT
Modern Infrared (IR) spectrometers are often equipped with an attenuated total reflectance module, which allows the direct analysis of samples in the solid or liquid state. This approach uses the principle of total internal reflection and the formation of an evanescent wave at the sample interface. Nujol® can be used from 650 cm–1 to the far IR. It gives IR absorptions around 2900, 1460, and 1350 cm–1. Fluorolube® is useful for the range 4000–11370 cm–11. Hexachlorobutadiene can also be used. This chapter presents the characteristic IR absorption bands of various types of compounds. It provides the characteristic ultraviolet (UV)/visible (VIS) absorption bands for some representative chromophores. The Woodward–Fieser rules can be used to estimate empirically the UV/VIS absorption of a compound. The cutoff limits, are the wavelength range over which a given cell material is appropriate. Care should be taken with solvent compatibility, especially with plastic cells.
