1. Spectroscopy involves using electromagnetic radiation to obtain information about atoms and molecules. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy specifically analyzes molecular vibrations that occur when IR radiation is absorbed.
2. IR spectroscopy is useful for structure elucidation and identification of organic compounds by determining their functional groups based on characteristic absorption bands. It can also be used to study reaction progress and detect impurities.
3. Factors like hydrogen bonding, coupling effects, and electronic effects can influence vibrational frequencies observed in IR spectra. Advanced applications include quantitative analysis, studying isomerism, and determining unknown contaminants.