Answer to Question #92202 in Organic Chemistry for Lauren

Question

Explain how IR Spectroscopy can differentiate/distinguish between phenol and amphetamine

Answer 1

Phenol and amphetamine have different functional groups thus may be distinguished by IR spectra.

Phenol has absorption at around 1230-1240 cm^-1 that is characteristic IR band of C-O bond. O-H absorption band is broad at 3200-3300 cm^-1.

Amphetamine is a primary amine, having medium strength absorption bands of amino group at 3450 cm^-1 () and 1600 cm^-1. Medium-strong line of amphetamine at around 1000-1100 cm^-1 (C-N) helps to distinguish it from phenol.