MCAT Physical : Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Physical

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Spectroscopy

An IR spectroscopy reading of a compound shows a large absorption at . What is the identity of this compound?

Possible Answers:

Aldehyde

Amine

Alcohol

Amide

Correct answer:

Alcohol

Explanation:

Compounds with an alcohol group show absorptions in an IR sprectrum from  through . Therefore an absorption of  would correspond to an alcohol. Amide groups show absorptions from  through . Amine groups show absorptions from  through through  through  and  through  (aromatic amines). Carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes show strong absorptions in the IR spectrum at  through .

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