Table 1: Principal IR Absorptions for Certain Functional Groups

Absorption Ranges(cm-1)
Functional Group Names Type of Vibration
& [Look for a single absorption causing IR absorption
in these regions, unless stated otherwise.]
Example compounds

3000-2800 H-C-H Asymmetric &

Alkanes: Symmetric Stretch
(Note: The absorptions can be seen as several
H distinct peaks in this region.)
H H
C Methane
H 1500-1440 H-C-H Bend
C=C-H Asymmetric
Alkenes: 3100-3000
Stretch
H
H C-C=C Symmetric
H3C C 1-Propene
1675-1600
H
Stretch

3300-3200 C H Stretch
Alkynes:
HC C CH3 Propyne 2200-2100 C C Stretch

Aromatic Rings: C=C-H Asymmetric

3100-3000
H Stretch
H C H C-C=C Symmetric
C C 1600-1580
C C
Benzene Stretch
H C H
C-C=C Asymmetric
H 1500-1450
Stretch

Phenols & Alcohols: Hydrogen-bonded O-H

H
3600-3100
H Stretch
H C OH H OH
C C C (This peak usually appears much
C C H (Note: Phenols MUST have broader than the other IR
H C H Aromatic Ring Absorptions too.) absorptions.
Methanol
H (Alcohol)
Phenol

Carboxylic Acids: 3400-2400 Hydrogen-bonded O-H

(This peak always covers the entire Stretch
O region with a VERY BROAD peak.) [Note: This peak can obscure
C Formic Acid other peaks in this region.]
H OH
1730-1650 C=O Stretch

Ketones:
O
C Acetone 1750-1625 C=O Stretch
H3C CH3

1750-1625 C=O Stretch

Aldehydes:
O 2850-2800 C-H Stretch off C=O
C Ethanal
H3C H 2750-2700 C-H Stretch off C=O
 Table 1: Principal IR Absorptions for Certain Functional Groups
Absorption Ranges(cm-1)
Functional Group Names Type of Vibration
& [Look for a single absorption causing IR absorption
in these regions, unless stated otherwise.]
Example compounds

Esters: 1755-1650 C=O Stretch

O
C CH3 Methyl Formate (1300-1000) (C-O Stretch)
H O

Ethers:
Diethyl Ether (1300-1000) (C-O Stretch)
O
(aka-Ethyl Ether)
Amines—Primary: 3500-3100
H
N-H Stretch
N Ethylamine (TWO PEAKS!)
H 1640-1560 N-H Bend

Amines—Secondary:
3500-3100
N-H Stretch
CH3
(ONE PEAK!)
N N-Methylethylamine

H
1550-1450 N-H Bend

Nitriles:
H
H C C N 2300-2200 C N Stretch
Methanenitrile
H

Nitro Groups: N=O Stretch

O
1600-1500
+
N Nitromethane
H3C O

1400-1300 N=O Bend

(Note: Both peaks are <200 cm-1 apart.)

Amides: 3500-3100 N-H Stretch (similar to amines)

O
1670-1600 C=O Stretch
C Methanamide
H3C NH2
1640-1550 N-H Bend