Analysis of Medications by FTIR Spectroscopy
Obtain an unknown from the stockroom. Use IR spectroscopy to determine as many functional groups as possible in the sample. Use IR spectroscopy to determine the amount of active ingredient in your sample.
The purpose of this experiment is two-fold:
1. Using only infrared spectroscopy, identify the active compound in an unknown pain reliever provided by the stockroom. You may be as creative as you wish, but you must at least include an infrared spectrum of the unknown compound with a functional group analysis of the "peaks" present (or absent).
2. Use IR spectroscopy to quantify (with supporting data and calculations) the percent by mass of the active compound. The average pill weight will be provided by the stockroom. In your lab report, be sure to explain your choice of methods and the rationale behind your experimental design. What are the sources of error and how could you improve your analysis. Is your method a viable method for analyzing the active agent in pain relief medications? Explain any success or failure in meeting these two objectives.
You must design and implement the methodology to accomplish these goals. You should discuss your experimental design with your instructor before carrying out the analysis.
For your lab methods: fully describe how you prepared your sample, what instrument you used (and why). For the results/data section, fully annotate the spectrum of your unknown. (Assign each peak to a molecular vibration.) Make a table with every functional group: name, structure and its vibration(s)/rotation(s). In your discussion, fully describe your rationale for each assignment. Why are some bonds stronger? What makes them have different vibrational frequencies? In your conclusion, summarize all of the functional groups that you found in your unknown. Be sure to include references from the primary literature.