Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts college for

Women , Palani.

PG Department of Chemistry
Learning Resources

INFRA RED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

MrS. A . MUTHALAGU
AssistAnt Professor of Chemistry

Dr. M.Ramalingam 1
INFRARED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Vibrations in simple molecules (H2O, CO2) and their symmetry notation for molecular vibrations
– group vibrations and the limitations – combined uses of IR and Raman spectroscopy in the
structural elucidation of simple molecules like N2O, ClF3, NO3-, ClO4– effect of coordination on
ligand vibrations – uses of groups vibrations in the structural elucidation of metal complexes of
urea, thiourea, cyanide, thiocyanate and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Effect of isotopic substitution on the vibrational spectra of molecules – vibrational spectra of metal
carbonyls with reference to the nature of bonding – geometry and number of C-O stretching
vibrations (group theoretical treatment) – applications of Raman spectroscopy – resonance Raman
spectroscopy.

Vibrations in simple molecules (H2O, CO2)

Molecular Vibrations

There are two types of molecular vibrations, stretching and bending. A molecule consisting
of n atoms has a total of 3n degrees of freedom, corresponding to the Cartesian coordinates
of each atom in the molecule. In a nonlinear molecule, 3 of these degrees are rotational and
3 are translational and the remaining corresponds to fundamental vibrations; in a linear
molecule, 2 degrees are rotational and 3 are translational. The net number of fundamental
vibrations for nonlinear and linear molecules is therefore:

Molecule degrees of freedom:

(nonlinear 3n– 6)
(linear 3n– 5)

The fundamental vibrations for water, H2O, are given in Figure. Water, which is nonlinear,
has three fundamental vibrations.

Carbon dioxide, CO2, is linear and hence has four fundamental vibrations (Figure). The
two scissoring or bending vibrations are equivalent and therefore, have the same frequency

Dr. M.Ramalingam 2
 and are said to be degenerate, appearing in an IR spectrum at 666 cm–1.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 3
 Only two IR bands (2350 and 666 cm–1) are seen for carbon dioxide, instead of four

corresponding to the four fundamental vibrations. Carbon dioxide is an example of why

one does not always see as many bands as implied by our simple calculation. In the case

of CO2, two bands are degenerate, and one vibration does not cause a change in dipole

moment.

Symmetry Notation for Molecular Vibrations

Step 1, Use displacement coordinates.

Step 2, What is the point group of H2O

Step 3, Generate a reducible representation

Step 4, Reducing the representation

Step 5, Examining the irreducible representations (Determine vib )

The characters of the reducible representation can be determined by considering the

combined effect of each symmetry operation on the atomic vectors.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 4
 Operation Contribution per atom*
E → 3
C2 → -1
C3 → 0
C4 → 1
C6 → 2
σ → 1
i → -3
S3 → -2
S4 → -1
S6 → 0
*Cn = 1 + 2cos(360/n); Sn = -1 + 2cos(360/n)

1. Water Molecule (H2O)

If the symmetry label (e.g. A1, B1, E) of a normal mode of vibration is associated with x,

y, or z in the character table, then the mode is IR active.

If the symmetry label (e.g. A1, B1, E) of a normal mode of vibration is associated with a

product term (x2, xy) in the character table, then the mode is Raman active.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 5
 The reducible representation for the displacement coordinates is the multiplication of the

number of unshifted atoms and the contribution to character

The reduction can be achieved using the reduction formula:

A1: (1/4)[(9)(1)(1) + (-1)(1)(1) + (1)(1)(1) + (3)(1)(1)] = 3

A2: (1/4)[(9)(1)(1) + (-1)(1)(1) + (1)(-1)(1) + (3)(-1)(1) = 1

B1 : (1/4)[(9)(1)(1) + (-1)(-1)(1) + (1)(1)(1) + (3)(-1)(1) = 2

B2 : (1/4)[(9)(1)(1) + (-1)(-1)(1) + (1)(-1)(1) + (3)(1)(1) = 3

Dr. M.Ramalingam 6
Using Internal Coordinates to analyze vibrations

Internal Coordinates
Vibration of water molecule: vib =2A1+B2
Which are bond-stretching vibrations & which are bending vibrations? Internal
coordinate

E C2 xz yz
# of unshifted coordinates 2 0 0 2
red 2 0 0 2

aA1 = 1/4 [(211) + (211)] =1

aA2 = 1/4 [(211) + (2(-1)1)] =0
aB1 = 1/4 [(211) + (2(-1)1)] =0
aB2 = 1/4 [(211) + (211)] =1

red = str = A1 + B2

vib = str + ben = 2A1 + B2

ben = (2A1 + B2) - str = (2A1 + B2) – (A1 + B2) = A1

str + ben = A1 + A1 (both symmetric)

str = B2 (asymmetric)

Dr. M.Ramalingam 7
Using Projection Operator to analyse two possible stretching vibration, A1 and B2

The linear combinations of the coordinates also have A1 and B2 symmetry

Consider the internal coordinates r1 and r2
Take r1 as the generating function

C E C σ σ
2v 2 xz xz
A
P1 1x1xr 1x1xr 1x1xr 1x1xr 2r1+2r2
1 2 2 1
A
P2 1x1xr 1x1xr 1x-1xr 1x-1xr 0
1 2 2 1
B
P1 1x1xr 1x-1xr 1x1xr 1x-1xr 0
1 2 2 1
B
P2 1x1xr 1x-1xr 1x-1xr 1x1xr 2r1-2r2
1 2 2 1

1. Carbon dioxide Molecule (CO2)

Linear molecules, such as CO2, have 3N-5 vibrational modes because 3 of all the modes

result in a translation and 2 in a rotation.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 8
Carbon Dioxide, CO2

linear functions,
D∞h E 2C∞ ... ∞σv i 2S∞ ... ∞C'2 quadratics
rotations

A1g=Σ+g 1 1 ... 1 1 1 ... 1 x2+y2, z2

A2g=Σ− 1 1 ... -1 1 1 ... -1 Rz
g

E1g=Πg 2 2cos(φ) ... 0 2 -2cos(φ) ... 0 (Rx, Ry) (xz, yz)

E2g=Δg 2 2cos(2φ) ... 0 2 2cos(2φ) ... 0 (x2-y2, xy)
E3g=Φg 2 2cos(3φ) ... 0 2 -2cos(3φ) ... 0
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A1u=Σ+ 1 1 ... 1 -1 -1 ... -1 z
u

A2u=Σ −
1 1 ... -1 -1 -1 ... 1
u

E1u=Πu 2 2cos(φ) ... 0 -2 2cos(φ) ... 0 (x, y)

E2u=Δu 2 2cos(2φ) ... 0 -2 -2cos(2φ) ... 0
E3u=Φu 2 2cos(3φ) ... 0 -2 2cos(2φ) ... 0
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Vibrational spectroscopy
A vibration will be active in the IR if there is a change in the dipole moment of the molecule
and if it has the same symmetry as one of the x, y, z coordinates. To determine which modes
are IR active, the irreducible representation corresponding to x, y, and z are checked with
the reducible representation of Γvib. IR mode is active if the same irreducible representation
is present in both.

Furthermore, a vibration will be active in the Raman if there is a change in the

polarizability of the molecule and if it has the same symmetry as one of the direct

products of the x, y, z coordinates. To determine which modes are Raman active, the

irreducible representation corresponding to xy, xz, yz, x2, y2, and z2 are checked with the

reducible representation of Γvib. Raman mode is active if the same irreducible

representation is present in both.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 9
 Carbon dioxide molecule on a Cartesian coordinate
1. Assign point group: D∞h
2. Determine group-subgroup point group: D2h
3. Find the number of normal (vibrational) modes or degrees of freedom using the
equation: 3n - 5 = 3(3) - 5 = 4
2. Derive reducible representation Γ3N:

D2h E C2(z) C2(y) C2(x) i σ(xy) σ(xz) σ(yz)

Γ3N 9 -3 -1 -1 -3 1 3 3

3. Decompose the reducible representation into irreducible components using the

reduction formula:
Γ3N = Ag + B2g + B3g + 2B1u + 2B2u + 2B3u

4. Solve for the irreducible representation corresponding to the normal modes

with the subgroup character table:
Γ3N = Ag + B2g + B3g + 2B1u + 2B2u + 2B3u
Γrot = B2g + B3g

Γtrans = B1u + B2u + B3u Γvib

= Γ3N - Γrot - Γtrans

Γvib = Ag + B1u + B2u + B3u

Dr. M.Ramalingam 10
 5. Use the correlation table to find the normal modes for the original point group:
v1 = Ag = Σ+g
v2 = B1u = Σ+
u

v3 = B2u = Πu
v4 = B3u = Πu

6. Label whether the modes are either IR active or Raman active:

v1 = Raman active
v2 = IR active
v3 = IR active
v4 = IR active

Group Vibrations and the Limitations

These group frequencies are to a first approximation independent of the remaining structure
of the molecule. This often makes it possible to identify the structure of a molecule by
visually examining its vibrational spectrum.

The following is a list of frequency regions (in cm-1) and associated functional groups for
organic compounds.
3,700 - 3,100: OH, NH and ≡CH
3,180 - 2,980: aryl, olefinic, and three-membered ring CH
3,000 - 2,700: aliphatic CH
3,100 - 2,400: acidic and strongly bonded hydrogens
2,300 - 1,900: C≡C and C=C=C
2,000 - 1,700: aryl and olefinic overtones
1,900 - 1,550: C=O
1,700 - 1,550: C=C and C=N
1,660 - 1,450: N=O
1,660 - 1,500: NH2, CNH
1,620 - 1,420: aromatic and heteroaromatic rings
1,500 - 1,250: CH3 and CH2
1,350 - 1,150: CH2 and CH wag
1,300 - 1,000: C–O
1,000 - 600: olefinic and acetylenic wag
900 - 700: aromatic wag
900 - 500: OH, NH and NH2 wag
830 - 500: CCl, CBr and CI

Generally, the infrared bands for inorganic materials are broader, fewer in number and
appear at lower wavenumbers than those observed for organic materials. If an inorganic
compound forms covalent bonds within an ion, it can produce a characteristic infrared
Dr. M.Ramalingam 11
 spectrum.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 12
 Main infrared bands of some common inorganic ions:

• CO32- 1450-1410, 880-800 cm-1

• SO42- 1130-1080, 680-610 cm-1
• NO3- 1410-1340, 860-800 cm-1
• PO43- 1100-950 cm-1
• SiO42- 1100-900 cm-1
• NH4+ 3335-3030, 1485-1390 cm-1
• MnO4- 920-890, 850-840c m-1

Diatomic molecules produce one vibration along the chemical bond. Monatomic ligand,
where metal s coordinate with atoms such as halogens, H, N or O, produce characteristic
bands. These bands are summarized in below.

Chracteristic infrared bands of diatomic inorganic molecules: M(metal), X(halogen)

• M-H stretching 2250-1700 cm-1

• M-H bending 800-600 cm-1
• M-X stretching 750-100 cm-1
• M=O stretching 1010-850 cm-1
• M=N stretching 1020-875 cm-1-

Fingerprint Region

The region to the right-hand side of the diagram (from about 1500 to 500 cm-1) usually
contains a very complicated series of absorptions. These are mainly due to all manner of
bending vibrations within the molecule. This is called the fingerprint region.

It is much more difficult to pick out individual bonds in this region than it is in the "cleaner"
region at higher wavenumbers. The importance of the fingerprint region is that

Dr. M.Ramalingam 13
 each different compound produces a different pattern of troughs in this part of the
spectrum.

• IR alone cannot determine a structure.

• Some signals may be ambiguous.
• The functional group is usually indicated.
• The absence of a signal is definite proof that the functional group is absent.
• Correspondence with a known sample’s IR spectrum confirms the identity of the
compound.

Combined uses of IR and Raman Spectroscopy in the Structural Elucidation of Simple

Molecules

1. N2O (Nitrous oxide) 𝑁 ≡ 𝑁 + − 𝑂−

No. of atoms : 3
Total No.freedoms : 3x3=9
Structure : Linear
Vibrational deg. of freedom : 3 x 3 – 5 = 42 modes degenerate

• N2O is isoelectronic with CO2. It is linear but not symmetrical. It as three intense IR
absorptions at (bending) 598, (symmetric)1285 , and (assymmetric) 2224 cm-1.

• Two of these (symmetric)1285 , and (asymmetric) 2224 cm-1 appear in Raman

spectrum; the (bending) 598 is not observed due to weak intensity. Thus according
to rule of mutual exclusion, the molecule has no center of symmetry, i.e., it does not
have the symmetric structure N – O – N because two bands are common to its IR
and Raman spectra. Hence N2O has a unsymmetrical structure N – N – O,
confirmed by its rotational spectrum.

• IR lines with PR structure: linear molecule

• No center of symmetry: N-N-O

Dr. M.Ramalingam 14
AB3: This type molecule is expected to have 3N-6 = 6 fundamental vibrations. However
if the shape of the molecule has some symmetry this number will be reduced by degeneracy. For
symmetric planar and symmetric pyramidal shape one stretching mode and one angle deformation
mode are each doubly degenerate. So four different fundamental frequencies would be observed.
These are shown in the table. The main symmetry axis passes through atom A and is perpendicular
to B3 plane. The vibrations types are classified based on this axis.

2. ClF3 (chlorine trifluoride)

No. of atoms : 4
Total No.freedoms : 3 x 4 = 12
Structure : non-linear
Vibrational deg. of freedom : 3 x 4 – 6 = 6 normal nondegenerate vibration modes,

The infrared and Raman spectra of the interhalogen ClF3 has been studied in the
vapor phase. Frequencies for the six fundamental vibrations of the molecule been
assigned based on C2ν symmetry. All are Raman and IR active.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 15
 Γ𝑣𝑖𝑏 = 3𝐴1 + 2𝐵1 + 𝐵2

326(al) 434(bl) 364(b2)

528(al) 703(bl)
752(al)

These are arranged in a trigonal bipyramidal shape with a 175° F(axial)-Cl-

F(axial) bond angle.

3. NO3- (Nitrate ion)

No. of atoms : 4
Total No.freedoms : 3 x 4 = 12
Structure : non-linear
Vibrational deg. of freedom : 3 x 4 – 6 = 6 normal degenerate vibration modes,

The infrared and Raman spectra of powdered ionic nitrates have detected several
low intensity vibrational bands on the low frequency side of 𝜈1 (𝐴′ )'),
1
𝜈2 (𝐴′′ , 2

𝜈3 (𝐸 ′ ) and 𝜈4 (𝐸′ ). 𝑁𝑂− belongs to D3h point group.

3

Nitrate ion fits the planar spectra: v1 is 1049 cm(-1) since it only Raman active.
Since usually stretching mode are larger than bending v3 and v4 are assigned

Dr. M.Ramalingam 16
 4. ClO4– (perchlorate ion)
No. of atoms : 5
Total No.freedoms : 3 x 5 = 15
Structure : non-linear
Vibrational deg. of freedom : 3 x 5 – 6 = 9 normal degenerate vibration modes)

~1102 cm-1 IR & Raman (stretch triply degenerate)

~935 cm-1 Raman (symmetric stretch)
~628 cm-1 IR & Raman (stretch triply degenerate)
~462 cm-1 Raman (deformation doubly degenerate)

In the free state the perchlorate ion has Td symmetry with its vibrational modes
distributed as

Γ𝑣𝑖𝑏 = 𝐴1 + 𝐸 + 2𝐹2

where the A1 and E2 species are Raman active only while the two F2 species are
both IR and Raman active.

These modes are expected to occur at 928, 459, 1119 and 625 cm–1 respectively
for the perchlorate ion.

ν1(A) is the stretching totally symmetrical vibration (935 cm–1); ν2(E) (462 cm–
1) is the twice degenerate vibration; ν3(F) is the thrice degenerate vibration (1102
Dr. M.Ramalingam 17
 cm–1); ν3(F) is the thrice degenerate vibration (628 cm–1).

Dr. M.Ramalingam 18
Effect of coordination on Ligand Vibrations

• Complex formation leads to several changes in the ligand. These may manifest
through changes in the electronic structure, the state of energy or symmetry of the
ligand. These changes affect the vibrations of the ligand and this in turn will cause
a change in its vibrational spectrum compared to that of the free ligand.

• The vibrational spectrum of a complex compound is influenced by the structure, the

symmetry of the complex, the strength of its co-ordination bonds and its interaction

with the environment. Based on the changes in the spectrum of the complex

(compared to the free ligand) many properties of the compound may be deduced.

• Coordination of the donor atom of the ligand to the central atom lowers the
symmetry of the ligand. This decreases in symmetry gives rise to bands in the
infrared spectrum which were not infrared-active in the free ligand, in accord with
the selection rules. Bonds which are equivalent in the free ligand are not equivalent
in the coordinated state; this may cause the splitting of certain bonds. This change
can be readily seen in the spectra of simple ions, such as carbonate, sulphate or
nitrate, and in the spectra of their complexes.

Uses of groups vibrations in the structural elucidation of metal complexes of

1. Urea:

Urea has C2v point group symmetry if the four hydrogen atoms are in the plane of the
molecule. The symmetry analysis is given below.

Total: 8a, + 3a, + 5b, + 8b, = 24

Rotational a2 + b, + b, = 3
Translational a, + b, + b, = 3
Vibrational 7a1 + 2a2 + 3b1 + 6b2 = 18

The stretching frequency of the carbonyl vibration of urea is at 1686 cm-1 which does not
correspond to a “free carbonyl”. Urea has three coordina- tion sites: the carbonyl oxygen
and the two nitrogen atoms. Urea, in spite of its three coordinating sites, usually acts as a
monodentate ligand.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 19
 Urea forms complexes with metal ions like Fe3+, Cr3+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Pt, Pd. Co-
ordination can occur through oxygen or nitrogen atom and changes in stretching
frequency of the carbonyl group has been found to be less than 1662 cm-1with no
appreciable changes in the N-H frequency( vN-H = 3500, 3350; in the complex the
vibration is observed around 3300 cm-1). The vibrational frequency of C-N bond
increases considerably. These changes can be rationalised through the resonance
structures of urea, which are shown below.

Changes in the spectrum in this case are usually: (1) no great effect on the N-H
stretching frequencies; (ii) a lowering of the C=O stretching frequency. However,
the spectra differ significantly from that of free urea if a nitrogen-metal bond is
present.

• When coordination occurs through oxygen, there is a decrease in the C-O stretching
frequency due to major contribution of structures II a and II b, simultaneously there
is an increase in the absorption due to C-N. No appreciable changes in N-H
stretching.

• When co-ordination occurs through nitrogen reverse is observed, that is there is an

increase in C-O and a decrease in that of C-N stretching frequencies. The increase
is attributed to Structure I, which is the only contributor (both nitrogen atoms are
involved in complexation).

Dr. M.Ramalingam 20
 2. CN-
Co-ordinate to the metal atom through carbon. The free CN- ion has a stretching frequency
of 2080 cm-1, in complexes it generally has a higher value and a sharp absorption in the
range 2000-2200 cm-1 is observed.

In the Free State the contribution of II a is greater than I a towards the resonance hybrid.
In complexes the contribution of I b or II b depends on the metal atom to which it is
coordinated. It has been found that CN stretching frequency in its complexes depends on
electro negativity, oxidation state and co-ordination number of the metal atom.

• The stretching frequency of the ligand CN increases with increase in electro

negativity of the metal ion.
[ Ni (CN)4]2-< [ Pd (CN)4 ]2-< [ Pt (CN)4 ]2-
2135 cm-1, 2143 cm-1 2150 cm-1

• The CN stretching frequency increases with increase in the oxidation state of the
metal atom. Higher oxidation state of the metal would decrease electron density at
the metal center for back bonding with the ligand.
[ Ni (CN)4]4-< [ Ni (CN)4]2-
1985 cm-1, 2135 cm-1.

• The stretching frequency for CN decreases with increase in coordination number of

the metal atom.Increase in Coordination number results in a decrease in positive
charge on the metal, which in turn weakens the M-CN sigma bond.
[ Ag (CN)4 ]3- <[ Ag (CN)3 ]2- <[ Ag (CN)2 ]
2092 cm-1 2105 cm-1 2135 cm-1

3. Dimethyl sulfoxide

It is structurally similar to acetone, with a sulfur replacing the carbonyl carbon. The
normal absorption of the S=O bond occurs at 1050 cm-1. This is lower than the C=O
frequency, since the SO bond has a larger reduced mass than the CO bond resulting in the
frequency shift.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 21
 Metals can bond to DMSO either through its oxygen or its sulfur. If the bonding is to the
sulfur, the metal donates electrons from its  orbitals (the t2g) into an empty  orbital on
the DMSO ligand, thereby increasing the S--O bond order. Thus, if the metal is bonded to
the DMSO at the sulfur, the frequency of the absorption increases. If the bonding is to the
oxygen of the DMSO, the metal forms a bond with one of the lone pairs on the oxygen,
and thereby withdraws electron density from the oxygen. This favors the second resonance
form, since the oxygen will "seek" to gain electrons to compensate for the electrons donated
to the metal. The net effect is that the S=O bond order declines and the S=O absorption
appears at lower frequency.

The most characteristic vibrational modes are those dominated by S–O stretching. IR
frequencies at 1043 cm−1 for solid (213 K) dimethyl sulfoxide, 1058 cm−1 for liquid (300
K), and 1101 cm−1 for gas (360 K), have been reported for this band.

The SO stretching band has moved down to 950 cm-l in the [Co(DMSO)6]+2
ion and even further, to 915 cm-l, in SnC14-2DMSO.

U,il)vq 97Ovi 5- I I .;tretch 7141%

Asym. C-S &etch 1 730111 Sym. C-S
stretch ( G85v

1291rv.sh 1287111
1055rs,hd 1 1 0 2 ~ s 1064~s 1096~s 8-0 str.
1012s 1016m
94tis 829w
921m 915a
887w 898w 748m 750m
6906 689m ........ 619 Asym. C-S str.
661m 672m ..... ' 611 Sym. C-S str.

4. CNS- (thiocyanate)

The structure of the SCN ion is a combination of the two resonating structures :

When the metal-sulphur bond is formed, the structure with the triple C=N and
single C—S bond becomes predominates.The thiocyanate ion forms complexes
with most transition metals, but it can coordinate in at least four ways :
Dr. M.Ramalingam 22
 M-S-CN M-N=C=S M-S-C≡N→ M M-S→M
|
C
|||
N
The type of bond depends on the oxidation state of the metal, steric factors, and the
other ligands present.

5. CS(NH2)2 (Thiourea)

The ligand that fulfils most of the ideal ligand requirements set out in the
Introduction is thiourea (S:C(NH2 )2 (tu). It forms complexes with a wide range of
both transition and non-transition metals, and can form octahedral, tetrahedral,
square-planar, and polymeric complexes. Representative crystal structures are
available for each of the stereochemical arrangements, and there are no internal
ligand vibrations in the v(M-S) region of the spectrum. Thiourea almost always
coordinates through the sulphur atom. The crystal structures of the following
thiourea complexes have been reported, and in each case the bonding is through
sulphur NiCl2 tu4, ZnCl2 tu2 , [Pdtu4]Cl2 , CdCl2 tu2 etc.,

Thiourea possesses C2v symmetry, and on this basis the following distribution of
normal modes occurs :

Γ𝑣𝑖𝑏 = 7𝐴1 + 2𝐴2 + 6𝐵1 + 3𝐵2

All are raman active; except A2 allare IR active. The 𝜈𝐶=𝑆 stretching frequency in
the region 72 – 713 cm-1 is shifted to lower region upon complexation.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 23
 The 3000–3465 cm-1 region:
In this region, the asymmetric and symmetric NH stretching vibrational bands of
NH2 of the free ligand (TU) observed at 3380, 3279, 3177 and 3090 cm-1 were
shifted to higher wavenumbers on the formation of the metal–thiourea complexes.
The formation of S→M bonds in all the investigated complexes is expected to
increase the contribution of the highly polar structure to the thiourea molecule,
resulting in the increase of the double bond nature of the C–N bond and a greater
single bond character for the carbon-to-sulphur bond The band at 1477 cm-1 of the
ligand (TU) is assigned to the N–C–N stretching vibration. On coordination, this
band was shifted to (1478–1543 cm-1) in the complexes. The wavenumber increase
observed for the complexes could be explained due to the greater double bond
character of the carbon-to-nitrogen bond on complex formation.

Effect of isotopic substitution on the vibrational spectra of molecules

A molecule can vibrate in many ways, and each way is called a vibrational mode.
The wave number of absorbance n can be calculated by

in which c is the light velocity, f is the force constant in the atomic scale and the
spring constant for the macroscopic model, respectively, and m is the reduced mass.
Note that the force constant is a criterion for the strength of

It is generally assumed that the bond length is not altered by isotopic substitution.
The chemical bond in the molecule A_B. Therefore, the stronger the chemical
bond (electronic effect) and the smaller the reduced mass m (mass effect), the
higher the wave number of the absorption band ν.
𝜔2 𝜇1
𝜔1 = √𝜇
2

Dr. M.Ramalingam 24
 The different isotopes in a particular species may give fine detail in infrared
spectroscopy. For example, the O-O stretching frequency of oxyhemocyanin is
experimentally determined to be 832 and 788 cm−1 for ν(16O-16O) and ν(18O-18O)
respectively.

16
The reduced masses for O-16O and 18
O-18O can be approximated as 8 and 9
respectively. So,

Isotope Effects:

H35Cl, H37Cl, D35Cl, and D37Cl each have unique spectra because the substitution
of different isotopes changes the reduced mass of the molecule. H atoms have the
largest change in isotopic mass of all atoms, a factor of ~2 in substituting D (i.e.
2
H) for H (i.e. 1H). The study of isotope effects, especially upon deuteration is an
important tool in mechanistic organic chemistry. The harmonic vibration
frequencies of two isotopic variants of a diatomic molecule in the same electronic
state are then related by the equation
𝜔2 𝜇1
𝜔1 √𝜇
=
2

Dr. M.Ramalingam 25
 Vibrational spectra of metal carbonyls with reference to the nature of bonding

CO is an unsaturated ligand, by virtue of C-O multiple bond. Such ligands are

capable of accepting metal dπ electron by back bonding, i.e. these ligands are π-
acceptor and therefore also called as hard ligands. Being π−acidic in nature, CO is
a strong field ligand that achieves greater d−orbital splitting through the metal to
ligand π−back donation. A metal−CO bonding interaction thus comprises of a CO
to metal σ−donation and a metal to CO π−back do nation (Figure 2). Interestingly
enough, both the spectroscopic measurements and the theoretical studies suggest
that the extent of the metal to CO π−back donation is almost equal to or even greater
than the extent of the CO to metal σ−donation in metal carbonyl complexes. This
observation is in agreement with the fact that low valent−transition metal centers
tend to form metal carbonyl complexes.

In the metal carbonyl complexes, the direct bearing of the π−back donation is
observed on the M−C bond distance that becomes shorter as compared to that of a
normal M−C single bond distance. Metal binds to C, not O, because the ligand
HOMO is the Carbon, not the Oxygen-lone pair, this is because oxygen is more
electronegative & so its orbitals have lower energy. Dipole moment of free CO
molecule is close to zero.

The MO diagram of carbon monoxide.

The order of energy of the molecular orbitals and the accommodation of ten
electrons of the carbon monoxide can be shown as:

(σs b ) 2 (σp b ) 2 (πy b =πz b ) 4 (σs*)2 (πy*=πz*)0 (σp*)0 (σs*) is the highest
occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) which can donate the lone pair of electrons
for the formation of a OC→M σ bond. (πy*=πz*) are the lowest unoccupied
molecular orbitals (LUMO) which can accept the electron density from an
appropriately oriented filled metal orbital resulting into formation of a M→CO π
bond.
The nature of M-CO bonding in mononuclear carbonyls can be understood by
considering the formation of a dative σ-bond and π-bond due to back donation.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 26
 Energy-level diagram for CO can be refined by inclusion of s, p mixing. Crucial
to the discussions on M-CO bonding properties are the frontier orbitals
σ*(HOMO) and π*(LUMO)

Formation of dative σ-bond:

The overlapping of empty hybrid orbital (a blend of d, s and p orbitals) on metal

atom with the filled hybrid orbital (HOMO) on carbon atom of carbon monoxide
molecule results into the formation of a M←CO σ-bond.

empty d or p-orbital filled sigma-orbital

Formation of π-bond by back donation:

This bond is formed because of overlapping of filled dπ orbitals or hybrid dpπ

orbitals of metal atom with low-lying empty (LUMO) orbitals on CO molecule.

filled d-orbital empty pi-orbital

Dr. M.Ramalingam 27
 Bridging CO groups:

In addition to the linear M-C-O groups, the carbon monoxide ligand is also known
to form bridges. This type of bonding is observed in some binuclear and polynuclear
carbonyls. It is denoted by μn–CO, where n indicates the number of metals bridged.
While n=2 is the most common value, it reaches to be 3 or 4 in certain less common
carbonyls. In a terminal M-C-O group, the carbon monoxide donates two electrons
to an empty metal orbital, while in μ2–CO group, the M-C bond is formed by
sharing of one metal electron and one carbon electron.

INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

The carbonyl groups can have two modes of stretching

Typical stretching frequencies:

• Uncoordinated or "free" CO: 2143 cm-1

• Terminal M-CO: 2125 to 1850 cm-1
• Doubly bridging (µ-2): 1850 to 1750 cm-1
• Triply bridging (µ-3): 1675 to 1600 cm-1

Dr. M.Ramalingam 28
Geometry and number of C-O stretching vibrations (group theoretical treatment)
The following steps are needed in order to determine the number of IR active vibrational
modes in a molecule – metal carbonyls:

1. Determine the point group of the molecule.

2. Generate a reducible representation of the C-O stretching vibrations within the

molecule.

3. Reduce the reducible representation using the reduction formula

4. Identify the number of translational irreducible representations present in the reduced
representation from step 3.

Example:
To demonstrate, we will walk through the application of group theory to the
molecule cis-Mo(CO)4[P(OPh)3]2.

Using the symmetry tree, and assuming that the ligands P(OPh)3 are point ligands (while
ignoring the symmetry of those ligands), we find that cis-Mo(CO)4[P(OPh)3]2 is in the
point group C2v.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 29
 The character table for the point group C2v is shown below.
C2v E C2 σv(xz) σv’(yz)
x2,
A1 1 1 1 1 z y2,
z2
A2 1 1 −1 −1 Rz xy
B1 1 −1 1 −1 x, Ry xz
B2 1 −1 −1 1 y, Rx yz

Using the character table for the point group C2v, we generate a reducible representation
(Γred) of the C-O stretching modes in the molecule cis-Mo(CO)4[P(OPh)3]2

C2v E C2 σv(xz) σv’(yz)

Γred 4 0 2 2

Reduction of the reducible representation can be achieved using the reduction formula

Γred = 2A1 + B1 + B2.

All three of the contributing irreducible representations, A1, B1, and B2, are IR active because they
transform as either the x-, y-, or z-axis (see the symmetry of functions in the character table).
Therefore, we predict that cis-Mo(CO)4[P(OPh)3]2 will exhibit 4 C-O stretching modes in its IR
spectrum.

Applications of Raman spectroscopy – resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Resonance Raman spectroscopy is a variant of ‘normal’ Raman spectroscopy. ‘Normal’

Raman spectroscopy uses laser excitation at any wavelength in order to measure the Raman
scattering of this laser light. Notwithstanding the many practical issues caused by the use
of different laser wavelengths, the end result will be very similar whatever wavelength is
used.

In resonance Raman the excitation wavelength is carefully chosen to overlap with (or be
very close to) an electronic transition – this typically means in an area of UV-visible
absorption. Such overlap can result in scattering intensities which are increased by factors
of 102-106 – thus, detection limits and measurement times can be significantly decreased.
However, since the excitation coincides with UV-visible absorption fluorescence
backgrounds can be significant and more problematic than with ‘normal’ Raman scattering.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 30
 APPLICATION Raman Spectra of Inorganic Species
 The Raman technique is often superior to infrared for spectroscopy investigating
inorganic systems because aqueous solutions can be employed.

 In addition, the vibrational energies of metal-ligand bonds are generally in the range
of 100 to 700 cm-1, a region of the infrared that is experimentally difficult to study.

 These vibrations are frequently Raman active, however, and peaks with  values in
this range are readily observed.

 Raman studies are potentially useful sources of information concerning the

composition, structure, and stability of coordination compounds.

 Quantitative applications Raman spectra tend to be less cluttered with peaks than
infrared spectra. As a consequence, peak overlap in mixtures is less likely, and
quantitative measurements are simpler. In addition, Raman sampling devices are
not subject to attack by moisture, and small amounts of water in a sample do not
interfere.

Advantages of Raman Spectroscopy

• many organic and inorganic materials are suitable for Raman analysis. These can be
solids, liquids, polymers or vapors.
• no sample preparation needed.
• not interfered by water.
• non-destructive.

Dr. M.Ramalingam 31
 • highly specific like a chemical fingerprint of a material.
• Raman spectra are acquired quickly within seconds.
• samples can be analyzed through glass or a polymer packaging.
• laser light and Raman scattered light can be transmitted by optical
fibers over long distances for remote analysis.
• in Raman spectroscopy, the region from 4000 cm-1 to 50 cm-1 can be
covered by a single recording.
• Raman spectra can be collected from a very small volume (< 1 μm in diameter).
• inorganic materials are easily analysable with Raman spectroscopy.

Disadvatantages of Raman Spectroscopy

• can not be used for metals or alloys.
• the Raman effect is very weak. The detection needs a sensitive and
highly optimized instrumentation.
• fluorescence of impurities or of the sample itself can hide the Raman
spectrum. Some compounds fluoresce when irradiated by the laser
beam.
• sample heating through the intense laser radiation can destroy the
sample or cover the Raman spectrum.

S.No. Raman IR
It is due to the scattering of light by the It is the result of absorption of light by vibrating
1 vibrating molecules. molecules.
The vibration is Raman active if it causes a Vibration is IR active if there is change in
2
change in polarizability dipole moment.
The molecule need not possess a permanent The vibration concerned should have a
3
dipole moment. change in dipole moment due to that vibration.
Water can be used as a solvent. Water cannot be used due to its intense
4
absorption of IR.
Raman lines are weak in intensity; Dilute solutions are preferred
5
concentrated solutions preferred
Sample preparation is not very elaborate; it Sample preparation is elaborate
6
can be in any state. Gaseous samples can rarely be used.
Gives an indication of covalent character Gives an indication of ionic character in the
7
in the molecule. molecule.
8 Cost of instrumentation is very high Comparatively inexpensive.
Optical systems are made of glass or Optical systems are made of NaCl, NaBr, KCl,
9
quartz KBr etc
10 Monochromatic radiations used Polychromatic in the IR region

Dr. M.Ramalingam 32
Dr. M.Ramalingam 33