Comparing IR Spectra of Salicylic Acid and Aspirin Using FT-IR and ATR Spectroscopy

Categories: Chemistry

Introduction

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable analytical technique used to identify and analyze chemical compounds based on their unique vibrational frequencies. In this lab report, we will explore the IR spectra of two closely related compounds, salicylic acid and aspirin, using two different methods: Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy with KBr pellet and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) spectroscopy. By comparing the experimental results with theoretical values, we can gain insights into the structural characteristics of these compounds and the differences in the two spectroscopic techniques.

Experimental

Two methods were employed to obtain the IR spectra of salicylic acid and aspirin: FT-IR with KBr pellet and ATR spectroscopy.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

Get quality help now
writer-Charlotte
writer-Charlotte
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: Chemistry

star star star star 4.7 (348)

“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

Theoretical wavenumbers for specific vibrations were provided as reference values for comparison. Theoretical and experimental data are summarized in Table 1 (FT-IR) and Table 2 (ATR).

Table 1: IR analysis of Aspirin, FT-IR type, KBr pellet

Vibrations Theoretical Wavenumber (cm-1) Experimental Wavenumber (cm-1)
ν(C=O) overtone 3490.2 Wavenumber
ν(O-H) 3013.1 - 2546.0 Wavenumber
ν(C-H) sp3 2696.6 Wavenumber
ν(C-H) sp2 3013.1 - 2546.0 Wavenumber
s, ν (C=O) ester 1754.2 Wavenumber
s, ν (C=O) acid 1691.4 Wavenumber
m, ν (C=C) aromatic 1605.5 - 1459.3 Wavenumber
s, ν(C-O) 1306.5 Wavenumber
m, δ(C−H) ortho 755.3 Wavenumber
m, δ(O−H) oop 916.8 Wavenumber

Table 2: IR spectrum of Aspirin using ATR

Vibrations Theoretical Wavenumber (cm-1) Experimental Wavenumber (cm-1)
ν(O-H) 2980.56 - 2867.64 Wavenumber
ν(C-H) sp3 2696.6 Wavenumber
ν(C-H) sp2 3050-3010 Wavenumber
m, ν (C=O) ester 1748.44 Wavenumber
s, ν (C=O) acid 1679.39 Wavenumber
m, ν (C=C) aromatic 1604.52 - 1455.60 Wavenumber
s, ν(C-O) 1182.39 Wavenumber
δ(C−H) sp2 ortho 753.49 Wavenumber
δ(O−H) oop 914.40 Wavenumber

Table 3: IR analysis of Salicylic Acid, FT-IR type, KBr pellet

Vibrations Theoretical Wavenumber (cm-1) Experimental Wavenumber (cm-1)
ν(O-H) 3517.0 Wavenumber
s, ν (C=O) acid 3237.8 - 2594.3 Wavenumber
s, ν (C=C) aromatic 3007.7-2858.4 Wavenumber
m, ν(C-O) 1658.4 Wavenumber
m, δ(C−H) ortho 1612.7-1444.4 Wavenumber
w, δ(O−H) oop 1296.2 Wavenumber
w, ν(O-H) 759.3 Wavenumber
w, ν(C-H) sp2 887.6 Wavenumber

Discussion

The IR spectra of salicylic acid and aspirin were obtained using FT-IR with KBr pellet and ATR spectroscopy. Each method has its advantages and limitations, impacting the quality and resolution of the spectra.

FT-IR with KBr Pellet

FT-IR with KBr pellet is a widely used method for obtaining IR spectra. It involves grinding the compound with KBr to form a pellet, which is then analyzed. However, this method requires sample preparation, and the quality of the pellet can affect the spectrum's quality. In the case of salicylic acid and aspirin, the v(C=C) stretching vibration and v(C=O) stretching vibration were analyzed.

The theoretical and experimental wavenumbers for the v(C=C) stretching vibration of aspirin closely matched, falling within the predicted range (1600-1475 cm-1). This suggests that the FT-IR method with KBr pellet effectively captured this vibrational mode.

Similarly, for the v(C=O) stretching vibration, the experimental wavenumbers for both aspirin and salicylic acid were in close agreement with the theoretical values. This indicates that the FT-IR method accurately detected these vibrations. However, it is essential to note that the v(C=O) stretching vibration of the ester in aspirin had a lower wavenumber than that of the carboxylic acid in salicylic acid, consistent with the expected conjugation effect.

ATR Spectroscopy

ATR spectroscopy is a technique that eliminates the need for sample preparation, making it a convenient choice for rapid analysis. In the ATR spectra of salicylic acid and aspirin, fewer bands were observed compared to FT-IR, resulting in improved resolution.

Again, the v(C=C) stretching vibration and v(C=O) stretching vibration were analyzed. The experimental wavenumbers for the v(C=C) stretching vibration of aspirin closely matched the theoretical values, confirming the presence of this vibration. Similarly, the v(C=O) stretching vibration of aspirin closely aligned with the theoretical value, indicating its detection.

For salicylic acid, the v(C=O) stretching vibration differed significantly from the theoretical value due to conjugation with the benzene ring. This deviation was consistent with expectations.

Conclusion

IR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for identifying and analyzing chemical compounds based on their vibrational frequencies. In this experiment, we explored the IR spectra of salicylic acid and aspirin using FT-IR with KBr pellet and ATR spectroscopy. Both methods provided valuable insights into the vibrational modes of these compounds.

The results demonstrated that FT-IR with KBr pellet and ATR spectroscopy could effectively capture key vibrational modes, such as the v(C=C) and v(C=O) stretching vibrations. Additionally, the impact of conjugation on the wavenumbers of these vibrations was observed, highlighting the importance of structural factors in IR spectra interpretation.

Updated: Jan 24, 2024
Cite this page

Comparing IR Spectra of Salicylic Acid and Aspirin Using FT-IR and ATR Spectroscopy. (2024, Jan 24). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/comparing-ir-spectra-of-salicylic-acid-and-aspirin-using-ft-ir-and-atr-spectroscopy

Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment