Final Instruction Set

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How to run a Fourier Transform infrared

Spectrophotometer
Raad Bassam A Mulla
Introduction
As part of studying sciences and engineering curriculums in Penn State, you will be
required to take CHEM213, a course in which you will be asked to identify the final product of
most, if not all, of your experiments. Hence, you will be asked to run an infrared spectroscopy
(IR) for your final product. IR helps you prove the identity of your final product by identifying
common functional groups. Currently, the chemistry department uses the FTIR instrument.
In Fourier Transform infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR), unlike other IR spectrometers,
the whole spectrum is obtained at once with no sample preparation. Fourier transform is a
mathematical algorithm used to convert the information obtained by the detector into a
conventional spectrum. You will be placing your sample directly on the instrument. The FTIR is
located in the instrument room. So, before you leave the lab, put ~30 mg of your sample in a
shorty vial, label it, and place it in your TAs basket. As a beginner, you will probably take 20
minutes to get the IR spectra. With practice, you will master it in about half the time.
This document will walk through a general example of collecting a background spectrum
first, then, using Acetone as a sample. Pictures were taken under the supervision of Dr. Rummel,
who is a faculty member of the chemistry department and chairman of undergraduate courses.
Note: This guide is specific to FTIR manufactured by THERMO SCIENTIFIC, model
iS10, which is compatible with OMNIC software.
Safety information
Caution should be used when looking inside the instrument when the cover is off, since
an FTIR instrument includes a laser. Because it emits light at a known and constant frequency,
the laser acts as the internal calibrator, controls the moving mirrors position, and triggers the
capture of data.
Wear your gloves when conducting an IR operation, in case the final product (your
sample) is hazardous. When inside the lab, follow the safety rules concerning labs such as
wearing long shorts, wearing glasses, wearing covered-up shoes etc.
Materials needed
Acetone Shorty vial Spatula
Gloves Kim wipes
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Running FTIR software

Step 1
This is the Diamond ATR Accessory.
The Diamond plate is where the sample goes.

Step 2
Locate the OMNIC Software on the Computer

Step 3
Acquire a Background Spectrum, Part 1
Screw the black knob CLOCKWISE so the
metal tip descends and hits the shiny metal
plate.
You cant over-tighten the knob-once the tip
hits the plate it turns indefinitely

Rotating arm
Diamond plate
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Step 4
Acquire a Background Spectrum, Part 2
In the OMNIC software on the computer,
click on the second button in from the left
(ColBkg).

Step 5
The Background Spectrum
When the 32 scans are done (in the bottom-
left of the screen), the spectrum will appear as
well as a message window, click NO in the
response.

Step 6
Loading your Sample, Part1
Screw the black knob COUNTER
CLOCKWISE so that the metal tip ascends
and is no longer in contact with the shiny
metal plate. Swing the arm to the right to
leave room for you to load your sample

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Step 7
Loading your Sample, Part 2
With a spatula, place a small amount of your
sample in the middle of the metal plate on top
of the diamond chip.

Step 8
Loading your Sample, Part 3
Swing the arm back over top of the sample
and turn the knob CLOCKWISE so that the
metal tip squashes your sample into the
diamond groove.

Step 9
Collecting the Sample IR Spectrum
Click on the third button in from the left
(ColSmp).

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In the pop-up window, click OK to scan your
sample
You can monitor the progress of the process
by looking at the 32 scan bar in the bottom-
left of the screen

Step 10
The IR Spectrum of your Sample!
When the scans are all done, a window will
appear on the screen. Type in your name, the
sample name, and the date then click OK.

In the next pop-up, click YES.

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Step 11
Annotation of Peaks
Click on the button with the green arrows to
pick peaks (FindPks). The programs will auto-
label any major peaks BELOW the black
horizontal line (can be moved by clicking on
the spectrum).

Step 12
Print your Spectrum and Clean up
Click on the printer icon to print. Finally,
wipe the metal tip and the metal plate with a
clean and dry Kim wipe. Dispose of all trash
in the proper container.

Conclusion
Congratulations! You got your IR spectrum. Hopefully, you are able to prove the identity
of your final product; otherwise, you will have to redo your whole experiment. Final note, have
one of the attending TA sign your printed spectrum.

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How to run a Fourier Transform infrared

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