Through this experimental work we describe assignments for the Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra (on Ag and Ag(x)-Au(1-x) colloids) of 4-(dimethylamino) cinnamic acid (DMACA). DMACA is a push-pull charge transfer molecule that exhibits strong SERS signals and can potentially be used as an anti-counterfeiting taggant. Evidence in the spectra indicates that the molecule adsorbs to the surface through the dimethyl amino group with the benzene ring tilted or standing up with respect to surface. The SERS spectra of DMACA and 4-(dimethylamino) cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) on Ag nanoparticles are identical. We conclude that DMAC is oxidized on the surface to form DMACA on the basis of observed carboxyl vibrations in the surface
