2025 and 2026 Courses

Registration is open

Interpretation of Infrared and Raman Spectra

22-26 September, 2025

Interpretation of Infrared and Raman Spectra

10-14 August, 2026

Vibrational Spectroscopy is a cost effective and powerful technique for chemical structure elucidation
Samples include organic and inorganic molecules and ions, polymers, minerals, pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and forensics
Interpretation leads to the presence or absence of functional groups that are the building blocks of chemical structure
Interpretation is a vital skill for anyone who employs infrared or Raman spectroscopy

There are more chemical compounds than are available in search libraries
If a search does not have an exact match, spectral interpretation can identify an unknown
The correct identification of a sample can generate income for an employer, or become irrefutable evidence for a legal issue
Conversely, incorrect identifications of samples can be extremely costly
Spectral interpretation skills allow spectroscopists to evaluate spectra critically

We present a four-and-a half-day course with both lecture and exercise sessions so participants become adept with interpretation.
We include a brief introductory lecture on the theory of infrared and Raman spectroscopy to explain the origins and values of different bands.
The bulk of the lectures involve specific functional groups and how they are identified in spectra.
There are three exercise sessions in which participants are given unknown spectra and are asked to determine the structures of the unknown samples.
Extensive lecture notes, a separate set of exercise spectra, and exercise answers are provided.

The course is designed to present a strategy to determine chemical structure from both infrared and Raman spectra.
We supply a course primer to all registrants before the beginning of the course that explains many of the terms used and functional groups presented.
The procedure to interpret vibrational spectra has been developed and refined over the many years the course has been in existence.
Participants master how to interpret spectra in a “learn by doing” environment, and the staff are present for all the exercise sessions at lend assistance.
The goal is to make correct band assignments with the use of multiple spectral bands and features to determine chemical structures.