Spectroscopy

Type of analysis

Spectroscopy is one of the most important techniques in chemical analysis. The varied methods applicable provide a wealth of structural data. These range from the identification of functional groups in a molecule due to the characteristic response to infrared radiation of the different chemical bonds present, to more complex tasks such as monitoring the course of enzymatic processes. Furthermore, information regarding the union of different ligands to their targets allows calculation of the different parameters that describe the processes: binding constants, reaction speeds, etc. This type of technique also helps to study interactions between macromolecules, be they proteins or nucleic acids. 

The potential fields and applications in which the techniques and services offered are applicable are detailed below.
Organic chemistry:
•    Structural elucidation of organic and inorganic compounds.
•    Qualitative and quantitative analyses.
•    Determination of purity in enantiomers.
•    Direct measurement of enantiomeric excess without the need for enantiomeric separation.

Biology and life sciences:
•    Kinetic studies of enzymes.
•    Characterization of biomolecules.
•    Interaction between macromolecules.
•    Enzyme-ligand interaction.

Food industry:
•    Characterization of fatty acids of animal and vegetable origin.
•    Identification of sugars with similar chemical structures.
•    Analysis of food additives and colourings, etc.

Forensic studies:
•    Narcotics identification.
•    Detection of counterfeits.
•    Differentiation between pen and printer inks.
•    Identification of explosives.

Art and heritage:
•    Non-destructive analysis of pigments and dyes in paintings, archaeological remains, etc.
•    Analysis of inks in ancient manuscripts and books.
•    Characterization of corrosion deposits in archaeological pieces.

Requirements

We use spectroscopy cells for the analysis of liquids and solids in solution. In addition, we have a MIRacle^TM ATR accessory that allows us to analyze solid, liquid and surface samples in the IR region. When selecting the optimal solvent, an important factor is in which region of the spectrum it absorbs, since this may overlap and interfere with the identification and molecular weight determination of the sample to be dissolved in it. In the case of infrared analysis, water absorbs strongly into a large wavelength range of the spectra and can dissolve the infrared cell.

The user will be provided with the technician's e-mail address and contact telephone number to consult any doubts that may arise.

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•    Infrared: Average range 400,4000 cm^-1.
•    Ultraviolet-visible: Range 190-900 nm.
•    Dual wavelength polarized light, 546 nm (Hg) and 589 nm (Na).

•    Perkin-Elmer spectrometer Model Spectrum BX FT IR.
•    Attenuated total reflection (ATR) PIKE Technologies MIRacle^TM.
•    Varian spectrometer Model Cary 1E UV-Visible
•    Perkin-Elmer Polarimeter Model 343 Plus.

Our laboratory operates under strict standards and we have a quality policy based on compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Composed of scientists and technicians with years of experience in the laboratory, we have the experience to interpret the results, adding value to the initial analyses.