FTIR

Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy

Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical technique used to identify organic and inorganic materials. Infrared spectroscopy is a useful method for matching unknown substances to known substances in order to identify them.  As a characterization tool, IR spectroscopy can provide certain structural clues to the overall molecular structure of the unknown substance. FT-IR measures the absorbance of infrared light by a sample and generates a spectrum based on the functional groups in the material. To identify the material being analyzed, the unknown IR absorption spectrum is compared with a spectrum obtained from a known material. IR absorption spectrum can be also used to gain an insight into the structure of an unknown molecule. Generally, absorption bands in the range of 4000 – 1500 wavenumbers are typically due to functional groups (e.g., -OH, C=O, N-H, CH3, etc.), which gives the analyst the idea on what type of functional groups are present in the molecule. The region from 1500 – 400 wavenumbers is referred to as the fingerprint region. Absorption bands in this region are generally are highly specific to each material. Alera Labs has the capability to analyze both solid and liquid samples.

FT-IR spectroscopy analyzes the interaction between molecules and infrared light. It helps identify functional groups, analyze polymers, and detect impurities or contaminants. FT-IR is essential for material identification and characterization.

• Pharmaceutical Industry: 

Identification and characterization of drug substances

• Agbio Industry: 

Identification and characterization of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides

• Biotechnology: 

Identification and characterization of drug substances

• Medical Devices Industry: 

Identification and characterization of drug substances

• Chemical Industry: 

Material identification and characterization

Range of Applications

• Identification of simple mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds both as solids or liquids
• Identification of polymers and polymer blends
• Indirect verification of trace organic contaminants
• Routine qualitative & quantitative FTIR Analysis
• Thin film analysis
• Analysis of adhesives, coatings and adhesion promoters or coupling agents
• Analysis of resins, composite materials and release films
• Solvent extractions of leachables or contaminants
• Comparative chain lengths in organics
• Extent of thermal, UV or other degradation compounds