Applications Of Spectrophotometers In Structural Analysis Of Chemical Compounds

Spectrophotometry is a very common term which refers to the process of analysis of the samples and specimen with the help of UV-visible spectrum. The spectrophotometric analysis is very accurate and helps the users in ensuring accurate test results for the specimen. The spectrophotometry is also used for structural analysis of the specimen with great accuracy and ease. Here are some of the examples of structural analysis of specimen with the help of Spectrophotometry:

Control Purification

This is out of the most common applications of spectrophotometry that is used in laboratories to study the purity of a compound or solution. For example, when one wants to analyze the presence of the Benzene impurities in the absolute alcohol, then this process can easily be used. The absorbance of the solution can be detected at a wavelength range of 280 nm. At this wavelength, benzene absorbs wavelength whereas the absolute alcohol does not.

Analysis of Cis-Trans Isomerism

A trans-isomer is more elongates when compared to their counterpart cis-isomer. This is why the structural difference n=between the two molecules is detected with the help of spectrum absorbance analysis of the isomers. The maximum absorption of the trans isomers will be higher.

Determination of Molecular weight

When a compound produces a derivative when comes in contact with a reagent which shows the absorption characteristics of a band. This derivative will then depict a high-intensity absorption at a particular wavelength where the compound itself is not able to absorb any wavelength. In that case, the extinction coefficient of the derivative will be same as that of the reagent. Although the coefficient of extinction is same, the optical density of compounds varies with variations in the molecular weight of the products. Using this, the molecular weight of the compound can be easily calculated using the following expression:                                         

Where A is absorption coefficient

W is the weight of the compound in grams per liter and

B is the path length.

Turbidity:

If there are particulates present in a compound, then they will surely contribute to increasing the turbidity in the compound. This is called the Tyndall effect which takes place due to the scattering of light by the particulates. In order to eliminate this turbidity, the users need to identify the amount of particulate in the compounds and control them. The spectrophotometry can be very helpful in analyzing the presence fop particulates in solutions so that they could be controlled easily.

Testronix is a major manufacturer and supplier of highly advanced portable spectrophotometers that are widely used in different industries for the chemical as well as structural analysis of the samples and products.