infrared (IR) radiation causes covalent bonds to vibrate more and absorb energy

absorption of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases containing C=O, O–H and C–H bonds (e.g. CO₂, H₂O and CH₄), the suspected link to global warming and resulting changes to energy usage

use of an infrared spectrum of an organic compound to identify:

(i) an alcohol from an absorption peak of the O–H bond
(ii) an aldehyde or ketone from an absorption peak of the C=O bond
(iii) a carboxylic acid from an absorption peak of the C=O bond and a broad absorption peak of the O–H bond

In examinations, infrared absorption data will be provided on the Data Sheet.
Learners should be aware that most organic compounds produce a peak at approximately 3000 cm^–1 due to absorption by C–H bonds.

interpretations and predictions of an infrared spectrum of familiar or unfamiliar substances using supplied data

Restricted to functional groups studied in this specification (see also 6.3.2e).

use of infrared spectroscopy to monitor gases causing air pollution (e.g. CO and NO from car emissions) and in modern breathalysers to measure ethanol in the breath

use of a mass spectrum of an organic compound to identify the molecular ion peak and hence to determine molecular mass

Limited to ions with single charges.
Learners will not be expected to interpret mass spectra of organic halogen compounds.
Limited to organic compounds encountered in this specification (see also 6.3.2e).
Learners should be aware that mass spectra may contain a small M+1 peak from the small proportion of carbon-13.

analysis of fragmentation peaks in a mass spectrum to identify parts of structures.

Learners should be able to suggest the structures of fragment ions.

deduction of the structures of organic compounds from different analytical data including:

(i) elemental analysis (see also 2.1.3c)
(ii) mass spectra
(iii) IR spectra.

Limited to functional groups encountered in this specification.
Learners will not be expected to interpret mass spectra of organic halogen compounds.