Question

What characteristic frequencies in the infrared spectrum of your estradiol product will you look for to determine whether the carbonyl group has been converted to an alcohol? That is, if the transformation has occurred, which characteristic frequencies should be present in the infrared spectrum, and which should be absent?

Answer 1

Strong broad peak around 3200-3600 cm-1 should be present

Strong peak around around 1700 cm-1 should be absent

Step-by-step explanation:

Infrared spectroscopy is an analytical technique which is used for molecular structure characterization by identifying the functional groups present in a given molecule based on the absorption wavelength (or wavenumber).

In an IR spectrum the carbonyl group is associated with the C=O stretch which occurs as a strong peak around around 1700 cm-1. For alcohol the -corresponding O-H stretching frequency occurs as a strong broad peak between 3200-3600 cm-1.

Therefore, in the case of estradiol the presence a strong broad peak in the 3200-3600 cm-1 and the absence of the peak at around 1700 cm-1. would suggest that the transformation is complete.