How does the O-H stretch in the IR spectrum of a carboxylic acid differ from the O-H stretch of an alcohol?

O-H Stretch

A specific stretching vibration in infrared spectroscopy that denotes the presence of an OH (hydroxyl) group in a molecule.

IR Spectrum

A graph demonstrating the infrared absorption and transmission of a substance, providing distinctive molecular fingerprints.

Carboxylic Acid

An organic acid characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, with the formula R-COOH.

Expound on the importance and operation of spectroscopic strategies (NMR, mass spectrometry, IR) for the identification of organic molecules.

Verified Answer

Final Answer :

The O-H stretch of a carboxylic acid is broader and shifted to lower wavenumbers.

Learning Objectives

Expound on the importance and operation of spectroscopic strategies (NMR, mass spectrometry, IR) for the identification of organic molecules.