Functional groups
Identify bonds such as O–H, C=O, N–H and C–H from band positions.
Useful forOrganics, polymers, synthesis productsSpectroscopy
FTIR
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
FTIR identifies chemical bonds and functional groups from the infrared light a sample absorbs. It is a fast, routine way to fingerprint organics, polymers and many inorganic materials.
4 test optionsMid-IR range ~4000–400 cm⁻¹Solids, liquids and filmsTypical turnaround 3–5 working days
FTIR measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is FTIR?
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy passes infrared light through, or reflects it off, a sample. Chemical bonds absorb at characteristic frequencies; an interferometer records all wavelengths at once and a Fourier transform turns the signal into a spectrum.
Each functional group, such as O–H, C=O, N–H or C–H, gives recognisable bands, so FTIR is well suited to identifying compounds, checking purity and comparing batches. It complements Raman, which is more sensitive to symmetric and non-polar bonds.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Infrared light is split
A beamsplitter sends broadband IR light to a fixed mirror and a moving mirror.
- 02
A mirror scans
The moving mirror changes the path difference, so the recombined beam encodes every wavelength.
- 03
The sample absorbs
The beam passes through or reflects off the sample, which absorbs at its bond frequencies.
- 04
Spectrum is computed
A Fourier transform converts the detector's interferogram into an absorbance spectrum.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Compound identification
Match a spectrum against a reference or a known standard.
Useful forUnknowns, raw materials, quality controlPolymer & additive type
Distinguish polymer families, plasticisers and fillers.
Useful forPlastics, rubbers, coatings, fibresSurface chemistry (ATR)
Probe the top few micrometres of a solid by attenuated total reflection.
Useful forCoatings, films, treated surfacesContaminants & residues
Spot unexpected bands from contaminants, solvents or moisture.
Useful forFailure analysis, cleaning checks04 / Test options
Choose the FTIR options you need
4 options · none added yet
05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Powders, solids, liquids, pastes, polymer pieces, films
- Quantity
- Around 10–50 mg of solid or 0.5–1 mL of liquid
- Films
- At least ~10 × 10 mm, flat; note the side to measure
- Condition
- Dry; water gives strong bands that can mask the spectrum
- Dry the sample, as moisture masks key bands
- Seal liquids in a leak-proof, labelled vial
- Mention the expected compound class or solvent, if known
- No strong acids or corrosive liquids without discussing first
- No wet pastes or samples still containing solvent
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- FTIR spectrum (transmittance or absorbance)
- Peak positions in cm⁻¹
- Overlay of multiple samples on request
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 3–5 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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