Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
UV-Vis Spectroscopy
UV-Vis spectroscopy is an analytical technique that measures the absorbance of ultraviolet or visible light by a substance. It is particularly useful for identifying compounds with conjugated systems, as these systems absorb light at specific wavelengths due to electronic transitions. The resulting spectrum provides information about the energy levels of electrons in the molecule, which can be used to distinguish between different compounds.
Recommended video:
The UV-Vis Spectroscopy Concept 1
Conjugation
Conjugation refers to the overlap of p-orbitals across adjacent double bonds or between double bonds and lone pairs, allowing for delocalization of electrons. This delocalization lowers the energy of the electronic transitions, resulting in absorption of light at longer wavelengths (lower energy). The extent of conjugation in a molecule affects its UV-Vis spectrum, making it a key factor in distinguishing between compounds with different conjugated systems.
Recommended video:
Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the context of UV spectroscopy, different functional groups can influence the absorption properties of a compound. For example, carbonyl groups (C=O) and aromatic rings can significantly affect the UV spectrum, allowing for differentiation between compounds based on their functional group composition.
Recommended video:
Identifying Functional Groups