These techniques give specific information as to the identity of a compound when utilized in conjunction with spectroscopic techniques. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Infrared spectroscopy is a technique which involves the excitation of a material by infrared light-light which is invisible just beyond the red light which we can see. Fourier transform is a complex mathematical function which serves to average the data collected from a small sample over a period of time. When the material is treated with infrared light, light at specific frequencies is absorbed as specific parts of the molecules are caused to bend and stretch. Different parts of a molecule, or functional group, absorb at specific frequencies and the spectrum gives information about what groups are in the mixture.
Infrared spectroscopy is even more beneficial when run on pure compounds.
Organic molecules, such as surfactants and fragrances, often give characteristic bands which can be used as a fingerprint for the molecule. Libraries of pure components are being assembled which can be searched and compared when analyzing materials. In this technique, the chemical component is bombarded with electrons producing a charged material which is then subjected to an electric field. It is possible to separate and count the charged particles, or ions, according to their molecular weight. This method can be used to determine the molecular weight of a compound, as well as the fragmentation pattern, which is characteristic for different molecules.