[La-Lu]

Hey there 

Now this might sound like a lame question but I really don't know how to answer myself. So hopefully someone cal help.

I have an assignment and one of the questions I have to answer is, what does the spectra of "these two compounds" (namely, isoamyl alcohol and isoamyl acetate) tell me?

I know IR spectra help figure out what functional groups are in a particular molecule, but what else do they "tell" me? I mean, I already know which compound they represent, so what else is there to note?

Something about the differences in the functional groups present? You certainly don't need to get an IR spectrum for that if you already know which compounds you are talking about??

I also need to "justify my answer" so it sounds like I'd have to have a lot to say about it. Which I don't.

So I'm a bit perplexed. Any kind of help will be MUCH appreciated.

 

[Irlanur]

Just describe whether the IR spectrum is consistent with the structure...

[La-Lu]

Just describe whether the IR spectrum is consistent with the structure...

This is actually a good idea. THANKS!

[Irlanur]

I mean this is a common problem in chemistry/biology. You never REALLY know what the structure is, so even if you're extremely sure, it's good practice to check for this consistency.