Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR), (Shimadzu, Japan)

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

FTIR is most useful for identifying chemicals that are either organic or inorganic. It can be utilized to quantitate some components of an unknown mixture. It can be applied to the analysis of solids, liquids, and gasses. It can be used to identify chemicals from spills, paints, polymers, coatings, drugs, and contaminants. FTIR is perhaps the most powerful tool for identifying types of chemical bonds (functional groups). The wavelength of light absorbed is characteristic of the chemical bond as can be seen in this annotated spectrum.

The technique involves the interaction of infrared radiation (IR) with a sample by either transmission of an IR beam through the sample or by reflection of an IR beam off of the sample. Absorbance of certain wavelengths of the IR beam by the sample can be related to the presence of specific functional groups present in the sample. Thus, we can determine chemical information based on the wavelengths and intensities of IR bands absorbed by the sample.