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Applications of UV-Vis Spectroscopy

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Molar Absorptivity

We have seen earlier that validation of Beer’s law is dependent on the nature of the molar absorptivity. It was found that the molar absorptivity is influenced by:

1. The wavelength of radiation2. The refractive index and is thus indirectly related to

concentration3. Electrostatic interactions taking place in solution; and

thus electronic distribution4. In rare cases, like methylene blue, the molar

absorptivity is directly dependent on concentration

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Molar absorptivitiesMolar absorptivities

= 8.7 x 10 = 8.7 x 10 1919 P A P A

• A: cross section of molecule in A: cross section of molecule in cmcm22 (~10 (~10-15-15))

• P: Probability of the electronic P: Probability of the electronic transition (0-1)transition (0-1)

–P>0.1-1 P>0.1-1 allowable transitions allowable transitions

–P<0.01 P<0.01 forbidden transitions forbidden transitions

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The molar absorptivity, however, is supposed to be constant for Beer’s law to be valid. The molar absorptivity is a measure of the ability of an analyte to absorb light at a specified wavelength. Therefore, the value of the molar absorptivity is crucial for the sensitivity of an analysis. The value of the molar absorptivity can usually range from zero (for a nonabsorbing species) to 105 (for highly absorbing species). For quantitative analysis, a value of at least 103 is necessary for a reasonable quantitative analytical determination of an analyte

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Visible Absorption Spectra

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Molecules Containing , , and n Electrons

 1. Molecules with Bonds Only 

Let us start with a molecule like CH4 and then expand our discussion to more complex molecules:

All bonds in methane are s bonds and the only transition possible is the * transition. However, the * transition requires very high energy which occurs in vacuum UV. It is not wise to think of doing UV measurements on molecular species in the vacuum UV region (125-185 nm) for five important reasons:

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1. The high energy required can cause rupture of the bonds and breakdown of the molecule

2. Air components absorb in vacuum UV which limits the application of the method

3. Working in vacuum UV requires special training and precautions which limit wide application of the method.

4. Special sources and detectors, other than those described earlier, must be used

5. All solvents contain bonds

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2 .Molecules with n Electrons

Electrons in the valence shell that are not used up in chemical bonds are referred to as nonbonding electrons (n electrons). Consider a molecule like ammonia:

 The line on nitrogen is a symbol for two

nonbonding electrons. Now, the type of transitions observed in this molecule can be listed as:

a.      *b.      n-*

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We have seen earlier that the * transition is not useful in practical UV-Vis spectroscopy but the other transition (n-*) is of lower energy and should be further discussed. The absorption wavelength for a n-* transition occurs at about 185 nm where, unfortunately, most solvents absorb. For example, the most important solvent is, undoubtedly, water which has two pairs of nonbonding electrons that will strongly absorb as a result of the n-* transitions; which precludes the use of this transition for studies in aqueous and other solvents with nonbonding electrons. In summary, it is also impractical to think of using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy to determine analytes based on a n-* transition.

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3 .Molecules with Bonds

 Absorption of radiation by an alkene, containing a

double bond, can result in * or * transitions. We have seen that a * transition is not useful but on the other hand, the * turned out to be very useful since it requires reasonable energy and has good absorptivity. A molecule having , and n electrons can show all types of transitions possible in UV-Vis spectroscopy. For example, an aldehyde molecule shows all these transitions since it contains , and two pairs of n electrons.

• 

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MO Diagram for MO Diagram for Formaldehyde Formaldehyde

(CH(CH22O)O)

HC

HO

= =

n =

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We have seen that a n-* is not very useful due to absorbance from solvents and other frequently used additives which have n electrons. The n-* transition requires very little energy and seem to be potentially useful. However, unfortunately, the absorptivity of this transition is very small which precludes its use for sensitive quantitative analysis.

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Singlet vs. tripletSinglet vs. triplet

• In these diagrams, one electron has been excited In these diagrams, one electron has been excited (promoted) from the n to (promoted) from the n to * energy levels (non-bonding to * energy levels (non-bonding to anti-bonding). anti-bonding).

• One is a Singlet excited state, the other is a Triplet.One is a Singlet excited state, the other is a Triplet.

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Effect of Solvent Polarity on Absorption Wavelength

The molar absorptivity for a n-* transition is rather small (10-100 L mol-1 cm-1) and the energy required for transition is affected by solvent polarity. In presence of a polar solvent, nonbonding electrons will interact with protic solvents to form hydrogen bonds. The solvation of n electrons is the result; which lowers the energy of the orbitals holding the n electrons. Partial stabilization of the polar * is also observed but to a much lower extent than the n electrons.

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A net increase in energy required for a n-* transition is thus observed in protic solvents; like water or alcohols. Therefore, an increase in energy will reflect a decrease in transition wavelength, or what is called hypsochromic shift or blue shift.

On the other hand, a * transition is affected in an opposite manner with solvent polarity. In presence of a polar solvent, the more polar p* orbital will be more stabilized than the orbital leading to a net decrease in the transition energy. This results in an increase in transition wavelength or what is called a bathochromic shift (red shift).

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Spectral nomenclature of shiftsSpectral nomenclature of shifts

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Optically clear solvent concept

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Conclusions on Electronic Transitions

There are four different types of electronic transitions which can take place in molecules when they absorb UV-Vis radiation. A * and a n-* are not useful for reasons discussed earlier. The n-* transition requires low energy but the molar absorptivity is also low and transition energy will increase in presence of polar solvents. The n-* transition is seldom used in quantitative UV-Vis spectroscopy.

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The most frequently used transition is the * transition for the following reasons:

a.       The molar absorptivity for the * transition is high allowing sensitive determinations.

b.      The energy required is moderate, far less than dissociation energy.

c.       In presence of the most convenient solvent (water), the energy required for a * transition is usually smaller.

   It is therefore primitive that an analyte to be

determined by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy be of unsaturated nature.

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Organic Chromophores

 

Molecules having unsaturated bonds or free nonbonding electrons that can absorb radiation of relatively low energy are called chromophores. Examples include alkenes, alkynes, ketones, aldehydes, phenyl and other aromatic species, etc.

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Examples of UV-Visible Absorptions

LOW!

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UV-Visible Absorption Chromophores

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Typical UV Absorption Spectra

Chromophores?

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The effects of substitutionThe effects of substitution

Auxochrome is a functional group that does not absorb in UV region but has the effect of shifting chromophore peaks to longer wavelength as wellAs increasing their intensity.

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Effect of Conjugation and Aromaticity of Chromophores

As conjugation is increased in a molecule, more delocalization (stability) of the electrons results. The effect of this delocalization is to decrease the * molecular orbital. The result is a decrease in transition energy from * and thus a red or bathochromic shift. The molar absorptivity will increase in this case and better quantitative analysis will be achieved.

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If greater then one single bond apart- are relatively additive (hyperchromic

shift)- constant

CH3CH2CH2CH=CH2 max= 184 max = ~10,000

CH2=CHCH2CH2CH=CH2 max=185 max = ~20,000

If conjugated- shifts to higher ’s (red shift)

H2C=CHCH=CH2 max=217 max = ~21,000

Rule of thumb for Rule of thumb for conjugationconjugation

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In cases of introduction of more unconjugated double bonds, the molar absorptivity will increase as well depending on the number of the double bonds. For example, at 185 nm,1-hexene has a molar absorptivity of about 10,000 L mol-1 cm-1 but hexa-1,4-diene has a molar absorptivity of twice as much as 1-hexene. However, when the double bonds are conjugated as in hexa-1,3-diene the molar absorptivity is about 21,000 L mol-1 cm-1.

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On the other hand, aromaticity results in extraordinarily high degree of delocalization of electrons and thus stabilization of the *. If we assume a molar absorptivity of about 10,000 L mol-1 cm-1 for each double bond, we expect the sum of the three double bonds in benzene to be just above 30,000 L mol-1 cm-1

(at 185 nm) but actually the value is about 60,000 L mol-1 cm-1 due to increased delocalization as a result of aromaticity. It is therefore advantageous to use UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy for determination of compounds having aromatic character.

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Absorption by Inorganic Groups

Inorganic groups containing double bonds absorb in the UV-Vis region. The most transitions are a result of n-* transitions as in nitrate (313 nm), carbonate (217 nm), nitrite (280 and 360 nm) and azide (230 nm)

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Absorption Involving d and f Orbitals

Many transition metals have colored solutions and are also colored in the solid state. The transition metals have some of their d orbitals empty where a d-d transition can occur. The d-d transitions require excitation energy in the UV-Vis region. The direct interaction of the d electrons with ligands around the transition metal results in a spectrum of broad band nature. On the other hand, inner transition elements show transitions by absorption of UV-Vis radiation (f-f transitions).

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Since the electrons in the f orbitals are far inside the metal orbitals and are screened by electrons in orbitals of higher principal quantum numbers, f-f electronic transitions will not be affected by the nature of ligands or solvent around the inner transition metals. Therefore, the spectra of inner transition metals have narrow bands.

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Terbium Spectrum

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The crystal field theory is usually used to explain splitting of the d orbital energy so that a transition from a lower energy d orbital electron can be excited to a higher energy d orbital. The theory will be described for a transition metal with six ligands or molecules of water around it. An octahedral (only this case will be discussed) arrangement of these ligands is most appropriate where ligands will be located at the z axis and at the x and y axis (will repel electronic cloud in the dz2 and dx2-y2 orbitals and thus will make these two orbitals to have higher energies). The other four ligands will be arranged in between axis (dxy, dxz, and dyz) which will increase their energies but to a lower extent.

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Charge Transfer Absorption

When a ligand permanently donates an electron to a metal ion, a charge transfer is said to take place. The net outcome of the process is an oxidation reduction phenomenon occurring within the complex. An example is the reaction of Fe3+ with thiocyanate where the product is an excited species with neutral thiocyanate and Fe3+.

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In less common situations, the transfer of electrons can take place from the electron deficient metal ion to the ligand. An example is the Fe2+ or Cu+ complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline where Fe2+ and Cu+ metal ions donate electrons to 1,10-phenanthroline. The complex will then have Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. Charge transfer complexes are of special interest their molar absorptivities are unusually high; allowing very sensitive determinations.

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Applications of Absorbance

Measurement to Qualitative Analysis 

As seen earlier, the broad band absorption spectra obtained in UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy is usually featureless and lacks details that can be used in qualitative analysis. Therefore, this technique is mainly a quantitative technique.

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Plotting Spectral Data

A plot of either the absorbance or %transmittance against wavelength can be made. However, the most common practice is to plot the absorbance versus wavelength.

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SolventsWe have seen earlier that solvent polarity

affects the absorptivity of the analyte molecules; due to change in transition energies. Usually, polar solvents are used when possible. However, polar solvents like water or alcohol tend to oliberate the fine spectral details. Therefore, in cases where the fine spectral details are really needed (as in qualitative analysis) a non polar solvent like hexane should be used. In addition, the solvent must be optically clear (does not absorb incident radiation), well dissolve the sample, and chemically pure

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Quantitative Analysis

The basis for quantitative analysis in the UV-Vis relies on Beer’s law. Several characteristics of quantitative measurements using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy can be rationalized:

1. Applicability to all types of analytes as far as they absorb in the UV-Vis region.

2. Moderate sensitivities in the range from 10-4 to 10-6 with possibility to extend this range under certain conditions

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3. The relative standard deviation occurs within 1-3% which reflects good precision.

4. Easy to perform and convenient.Can be used for quantitative analysis in

liquid chromatographic separations.5. Non absorbing species can also be

determined if they are derivatized with an absorbing species as the case of metal ions when complexed to ligands.

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Procedural Details

Selection of Wavelength

The first step in a successful determination is to find the suitable wavelength for the analysis. This is accomplished by plotting the absorbance/wavelength curve. However, the following points should also be considered:

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1. If more than an absorption maximum is available, the wavelength far from the instrument extremes should be preferred

2. A wavelength at the  maximum of a broad peak should be preferred to another of a sharp peak

3. The peak with a maximum peak height is preferred

4. If an interferences are present, the wavelength that is far away from interferences should be selected

5. Working in the visible region should be preferred

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An analyst should use his experience and knowledge to work for the best bargain of the abovementioned points. Several factors affect the location of the wavelength and the absorbance and thus must be considered. These include the nature of solvent, the pH of solution, electrolyte concentration, interferences, as well as temperature.

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Cleaning and Handling the Cell

First, one should appreciate the use of good quality matched cells that are free from wearing, etching, and scratches. In addition, cleaning procedures of external and internal cell surfaces are also important. A suggested cleaning procedure involves moistening a lens paper with methanol and wiping the external surface, then leaving the cell to evaporate. The interior of the cell is first washed with water followed by methanol and the solvent is also allowed to evaporate. Disposable polypropylene cuvettes are incompatible with non polar solvents and formulations having these solvents should be avoided; or large errors will be encountered.

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Calibration Curves

Usually, a plot of the absorbance of a series of standards is plotted versus the concentration. The absorbance of the unknown is then determined and the prepared calibration plot is used for the determination of the analyte concentration. If the absorbance of the analyte was located outside the calibration plot, more standards should be made or the analyte concentration must be adjusted to occur on the calibration plot.

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We have seen earlier that it is not allowed to theoretically extrapolate or interpolate a calibration plot. It should also be appreciated that the composition of standard solutions must approximate that of the sample solution. In cases where the sample composition is not clear, the method of standard addition should be used. The slope of the linear calibration plot is the molar absorptivity when the path length is 1.00 cm. Larger slopes mean higher sensitivities.

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Standard Addition method

The use of this method provides better correlations between absorbances of standards and sample due to constant matrix effects. The method involves addition of the same sample volume to a set of tubes or containers. Variable volumes of a standard are added to the tube set followed by completion to a specific volume. Now, all tubes contain the same amount of sample but different concentrations of analyte.

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A plot is then made for the volume of standard and absorbance. This plot will have an intercept (b) with the y axis and a slope equals m. The concentration of the analyte can be determined by the relation:

Cx = bCs/mVx

Where, Cx and Vx are concentration and volume of analyte and Cs is the concentration of standard.

 One can only use two points to get the analyte

concentration using the relation:Cx = AxCsVs/(At –Ax)Vx

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Analysis of Mixtures of Absorbing Substances

When the sample solution contains more than one absorbing species, the absorbance of the solution will be the sum of all absorbances:

At = A1 + A2 + A3 + ….The different constituents can be determined if

we build equations equal to the number of unknowns. However, this procedure, if manually performed, is impractical due to lengthy and difficult math involved.

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When only two absorbing species are present, the solution is formidable and is executed by finding the absorbance of the solution at two wavelength (wavelength maximum for each analyte):

A’ = x’bcx + y’bcy                            (1)

A” = x”bcx + y”bcy                           (2)

x’, x”, y’, y” can be determined from standards of analytes x and y at ’” and values obtained are inserted in equations 1 and 2 where two equations in two unknowns can be easily solved.

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Derivative UV-Vis Absorption Spectroscopy

In derivative spectroscopy, A/ is plotted against the wavelength. The derivative spectrum contains sharper peaks where better location of peaks and wavelengths maxima can be achieved. Not only the first derivative of the absorbance spectrum can be obtained but up to the fourth derivative is possible. However, as the differentiation order increases, the noise increases as well and if a lower derivative is fine, going to higher derivatives is a waste of time and effort

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Derivative spectroscopy is excellent for determination of multi components in a sample, if they can be resolved.

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Obtaining a Derivative Spectrum

Derivative spectra cab either be recorded on time or by manipulation of data obtained in an absorbance/wavelength spectrum. The later is easy and can be made by simple electronic or mathematic operations; by taking A for a fixed (few nm) and plotting the data versus wavelength. However, the most common on line instrumental recording of derivative spectra involves the use of a dual wavelength instrument with two monochromator operated at the same speed but with a lag of few nm from each other. A chopper will sequentially pass the beams from both monochromators and thus their difference divided by the constant nm lag value is recorded versus the average wavelength.

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Applications of Derivative Spectra

1. Better qualitative analysis and identification of the number of absorbing species in a sample

2. Accurate determination of max

3. Obtaining spectra in solutions with high scattering was possible using dual wavelength instruments

4. Spectral resolution of multi component systems by measurement at two wavelengths; where the interferent has identical molar absorptivity while the analyte does not, can result in good exclusion of interferences.

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Photometric Titrations

In cases where an analyte reacts with a reagent so that the analyte, the reagent or the product absorbs UV-Vis radiation, the technique can be used for determination of the analyte by a photometric titration reaction. Photometric titrations are similar to conventional visual titrations but following the course of a photometric titration occurs with the aid of a UV-Vis detector, rather than the naked eye.

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Photometric Titration Curves

A plot of absorbance versus titrant volume is called a photometric titration curve. The titration curve is supposed to consist of two linear lines intersecting in a point corresponding to the end point of the reaction. The absorbance reading should be corrected for volume where as a titrant is added to the reaction mixture the absorbance will change. Several shapes of photometric titration curves can be identified depending on the reaction. Consider addition of analyte to a reagent so that a product is formed according to the reaction:

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Analyte + Reagent = Product

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It should be pointed out here that the lines shown are what is supposed to be. However, as the equivalence point is approached concentrations become smaller that the reaction is not fast enough and the end point is usually not sharp. This is not a problem as extrapolation of the linear portions will result in a very sharp intersection indicating the end point.

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Instrumentation

A conventional photometer or spectrophotometer can be adapted to performing photometric titrations where the analyte is placed in the sample cell which contains a small magnet and is located on the top of a magnetic stirrer. The wavelength is selected and the titrant is added, from a dark burette, gradually and the absorbance is recorded.

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Advantages and Applications of Photometric Titrations

 

1. Usually, photometric titrations are more accurate than visual titrations.

2. Photometric titrations are faster than visual titrations as only few points at the beginning and end of the titration is necessary. Extrapolation of the straight lines will intersect at the end point.

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3. Titration reactions that are slow at the end point can not be performed by visual titrations but are well suited for photometric titrations. Only few points at the beginning and end of the titration, well away from the equivalence point where the reaction is slow, are necessary. Extrapolation of the straight lines will intersect at the end point. Therefore, dilute solutions or weak asids and bases can be also titrated photometrically.

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4. Mixtures can be easily titrated using photometric titrations if absorbance is measured at the absorption wavelength of one of the two analytes. In addition, if both analytes give colored products but with different molar absorptivities, they can be determined photometrically. For example, figure a below shows the EDTA titration of Bi3+ and Cu2+ at the wavelength of the Cu-EDTA where the Bi-EDTA does not absorb. Figure b shows a hypothetical reaction where two products absorb incident radiation. The first substance (x) reacts first and followed by the second one which has a lower molar absorptivity (y).

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Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) UV-Vis spectra of solid, semisolid, and

turbid samples can be obtained by photoacoustic spectroscopy, although PAS is more important in infrared absorption spectroscopy. The technique of photoacoustic spectroscopy involves subjecting the sample in a photoacoustic cell (containing a gas) to a chopped beam of radiation.

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If the sample absorbs the incident wavelength, as the chopper rotates, the sample emits the absorbed energy as heat. Periodic absorption and reemission causes periodic fluctuations in the gas temperature and thus pressure. If the chopper rotates in a rate that occurs in the acoustical range, the fluctuations in pressure can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

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Applications of Photoacoustic Spectroscopy 1. Recording UV-Vis spectra of solids and

turbid solutions. Samples as complex as whole blood were tested by PAS.

2. Study of the absorption characteristics of polymers, paints archeological samples.

3. Spectra of samples on surfaces, like silica thin layer chromatographic plates, can be recorded.

3. In the IR region, qualitative analysis is possible to a variety of samples.