Chromophores are groups responsible for light absorption, such as C=O, C=N. Auxochromes attached to chromophores alter the wavelength and intensity of absorption. There are four types of shifts in absorption that auxochromes can cause:
1) Bathochromic shift - Absorption shifts to longer wavelengths, such as from decreased solvent polarity or increased conjugation.
2) Hypsochromic shift - Absorption shifts to shorter wavelengths, such as from increased solvent polarity, removal of conjugation, or auxochrome substitution.
3) Hyperchromic shift - Absorption intensity increases, such as from alkyl substitution.
4) Hypochromic shift - Absor