Question

The functional groups in an organic compound can frequently be deduced from its infrared absorption spectrum.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

a. True

Step-by-step explanation:

The main information that gives an infrared absorption spectrum is the type of functional groups that are present in an organic compound. The infrared (IR) spectroscopy is based on the fact that functional groups absorb light in the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately at 2,500-16,000 nm) and induces a vibrational excitation of the covalently bonded atoms in the group. The vibration of the atoms can be of different types, such as stretching, bending, etc. Each functional group (such as the carbonyl group) in an organic compound absorbs at a specific IR frequency so they can be distinguished from an IR spectrum.