The Correct Phase and Sample Diluent

Abstract

A single infra-red spectrum will not provide all the valuable information which it is possible to gain by infra-red spectroscopic study of a compound; this statement applies to all phases and all sample diluents. Change of phase or diluent will frequently yield additional evidence, even if this only confirms conclusions drawn from the first spectrum. However, one spectral region is often of greater intrinsic value than others, and a wise choice of sampling procedure can be most beneficial; some substances are best examined in one particular phase. In this section the effects of phase and diluent changes, the absorptions of the diluents themselves, and some of the pitfalls and advantages of specific diluents will be discussed.