Use of the Perkin-Elmer 1600 Series
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

PROCEDURE

  1. Obtain the "mini-cell" holder and two AgCl cells.
  2. Clean the cells with acetone and wipe on Kimwipes to dry. Be certain that the cells are dry.
  3. Place one cell into the holder, flat side up.
  4. Place about 1 drop of unknown onto the cell.
  5. Place the other cell onto the pile, flat side down.
  6. Tighten the top onto the mini-cell and place sample holder on adapter.
  7. Restore the spectrometer to its initial condition as follows:
  8. To record a spectrum, place the sample into the spectrometer, then proceed as follows: ...wait

  9. Once the raw spectrum is obtained you may expand the peaks to fill the full screen as follows:
  10. Obtain the exact position of the major peaks in your spectrum as follows. Press the white Shift button followed by the white right arrow button. Press the left arrow or right arrow to move the vertical cursor from one peak to the next. When the cursor stops at a peak of interest press Shift Mark. Move to the next peak of interest, mark and continue until all peaks of interest have been marked. Be sure to press the Shift button before each Mark or the button will not perform the desired function.

  11. Plot the marked spectrum by placing a piece of paper into the plotter (make sure that the paper is lined up against the left side of the paper tray), verify that the plotter is turned on, then press the green button labeled Plot on the spectrometer.

    Note: While waiting for your plot to be completed, clean the sample cells carefully with acetone. The next student may place their sample into the instrument at this time in order to keep the flow of students moving rapidly.

  12. Move over and allow the next student to begin...

REFERENCES

Sample spectra: NIST Chemistry Webbook