Molar absorptivity (ε)

Definition

Molar absorptivity, denoted as ε, is a measure of how well a chemical species absorbs light at a given wavelength, expressed in units of L mol^-1 cm^-1. It quantifies the capacity of molecules, particularly conjugated compounds, to absorb ultraviolet (UV) or visible light, which is fundamental in understanding their electronic structure and behavior.

Related terms

Conjugated Compounds: Organic molecules that contain alternating single and double bonds which allow for delocalization of pi electrons across the structure, enhancing light absorption capabilities.

Ultraviolet Spectroscopy: A technique used to measure the absorption of ultraviolet light by chemical substances, thereby providing information about their molecular bonding and structure.

Beer: Lambert Law - A principle stating that there is a linear relationship between the concentration of a solution and its absorption of light, where molar absorptivity plays a crucial role in determining this relationship