Applications of Group Theory: Infrared and Raman Spectra of the Isomers of 1,2-Dichloroethylene. A Physical Chemistry Experiment

An experiment for the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory, or an integrated analytical-physical laboratory, illustrates the application of spectroscopic selection rules for vibrational fundamentals as derived from group theory. The selection rules for the cis- and trans- isomers of 1,2-dichloroethylene are applied to assigning the vibrational fundamentals of these related but symmetrically distinct molecules. Applications of shapes of bands in gas-phase infrared spectra and of depolarization ratios of bands in liquid-phase Raman spectra are illustrated in making these assignments. The fundamental frequencies and the corresponding intensities in the infrared spectrum are compared with calculations made by DFT methods. Spectra are supplied in electronic format as part of the lab documentation

Investigation of Model Cell Membranes with Raman Spectroscopy: A Biochemistry Laboratory Experiment

New developments that extend the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy for the investigation of biological systems are described. One of these methods, excitation with a near-infrared laser at 1064 nm and detection with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, is applied to the investigation of temperature profiles of dispersions of phospholipids in water. These dispersions are models of biomembranes. This experiment for the undergraduate biochemisty laboratory gives students experience applying vibrational spectroscopy to the investigation of the molecular properties of biomembranes. The basis of the Raman effect is reviewed

Investigation of Model Cell Membranes with Raman Spectroscopy: A Biochemistry Laboratory Experiment

New developments that extend the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy for the investigation of biological systems are described. One of these methods, excitation with a near-infrared laser at 1064 nm and detection with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, is applied to the investigation of temperature profiles of dispersions of phospholipids in water. These dispersions are models of biomembranes. This experiment for the undergraduate biochemisty laboratory gives students experience applying vibrational spectroscopy to the investigation of the molecular properties of biomembranes. The basis of the Raman effect is reviewed