Interpreting Infrared Spectra Most functional groups absorb at about the same energy and intensity independent of the molecule they are in Characteristic higher energy ir absorptions can be used to confirm the existence of the presence of a functional group in a molecule IR pectrum has lower energy region characteristic of molecule as a whole fingerprint region) See samples in Figure 12-13Interpreting Infrared Spectra • Most functional groups absorb at about the same energy and intensity independent of the molecule they are in • Characteristic higher energy IR absorptions can be used to confirm the existence of the presence of a functional group in a molecule • IR spectrum has lower energy region characteristic of molecule as a whole (“fingerprint” region) • See samples in Figure 12-13