Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy

Definition

Ultraviolet spectroscopy is an analytical technique that uses ultraviolet light to analyze the chemical structure, particularly focusing on conjugated systems, of organic compounds. It measures the intensity of light absorbed by a sample at different UV wavelengths to determine various properties and structures.

Related terms

Conjugated system: A structure in organic chemistry where alternating single and double bonds allow electrons to be more delocalized over several atoms, affecting how the compound absorbs UV light.

Absorption spectrum: The spectrum that results when a substance absorbs certain wavelengths of light and reflects others, used to identify chemical substances.

Wavelength: The distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in nanometers (nm) in the context of UV spectroscopy, influencing what kind of molecular transitions can be observed