White or yellowish-white crystalline powder with no odor. Melting point of 262.5°C. Density of 1.299 at 77°F. Soluble in water at 400mg/L
FTIR measures infrared absorption/emission spectra of solids, liquids, or gases. Simultaneously collects high-resolution data over wide spectral range. Uses Michelson interferometer with moving mirror to modulate light frequencies. Converts interferogram data to spectrum using Fourier transform
Organic compounds contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Some authorities consider all carbon-containing compounds organic. Vitalism was once believed organic compounds formed from elements. Modern definition excludes certain traditionally considered inorganic compounds
Monochromator transmits narrow band of wavelengths from wider input range. Name comes from Greek 'single' and Latin 'agent'. Uses optical dispersion or diffraction to separate light colors
Diffraction gratings create rainbow colors by diffracting light into different beams. Gratings can be reflective (ridges) or transmissive (slits). Grating equation relates spacing, incident angle, and diffraction order. Maximum diffraction occurs at twice the grating period
Cuvette is a transparent container with straight sides and circular/square cross-section. Used for spectroscopic measurements of samples with light beam. Can hold from 70 microliters to 2.5 milliliters. Most have two transparent sides for light passage