Lab 11 - Ceutics exam 5

What is FTIR spectroscopy?

Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy = an analytical technique used to obtain the infra-red absorption or transmission spectrum of a sample.

What is the basic principle of FTIR spectroscopy?

FTIR works by directing infrared (IR) light through a sample. Certain wavelengths are absorbed, causing molecular vibrations such as:

• stretching

• bending

• twisting

The remaining light is detected and converted into an IR spectrum using a Fourier transform.

What does the FTIR spectrum represent?

The IR spectrum acts as a unique “molecular fingerprint” for the sample because each molecule has characteristic absorption patterns.

Why is FTIR useful in pharmaceutical analysis?

FTIR can:

• identify pharmaceutical ingredients

• verify purity

• detect impurities

• identify functional groups

• analyze formulations

What is a major speed advantage of FTIR?

FTIR provides RAPID analysis and QUICK identification of pharmaceutical ingredients.

What sample preparation advantage does FTIR have?

FTIR requires little to no sample preparation.

Why is FTIR considered NON-destructive?

It can analyze samples w/out significantly altering or destroying them.

Why is FTIR considered versatile?

FTIR can analyze:

• solids

• liquids

• gases

• many pharmaceutical dosage forms

Can FTIR perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis?

Yes. FTIR can identify compounds and estimate their concentrations.

Why is FTIR widely used in the pharmaceutical industry?

Because it is accepted by regulatory agencies for pharmaceutical testing and quality control.

What is a sensitivity limitation of FTIR?

FTIR struggles to detect components present in very low concentrations (<5% of a sample).

Why are complex mixtures difficult for FTIR analysis?

Overlapping absorption bands can make it difficult to distinguish individual components.

What is a quantification limitation of FTIR?

FTIR is better for QUALITATIVE analysis than precise quantification compared to methods like HPLC.

What is an equipment limitation of FTIR?

High-quality FTIR instruments can be expensive.

Simple explanation of FTIR?

FTIR shines infrared light on a sample and measures which wavelengths are absorbed to identify the molecule.

🧠FTIR = molecular fingerprint using infrared light