The Intensity of the Hydroxyl Band in Infra-Red Spectra

Abstract

Values are reported for the molar integrated absorption intensity of 37 alcohols and phenols dissolved in carbon tetrachloride and measured at the fundamental stretching vibration of the O-H group. Current methods of measuring the intensity are reviewed and a particular procedure recommended in the case of hydroxyl compounds. The effect of various substituent groups on the absorption intensity is discussed, and correlation found between absorption intensity, peak frequency, pK_a, value, and Hammett's σ value.