A recently acquired Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) is being used in the laboratory programs in Analytical, Organic and Physical Chemistry at Lafayette College. Experiments hitherto not possible, such as analyses of residues in extracts from contaminated soils, studies of structural changes of compounds upon interaction with solvents, and studies of very rapid decomposition reactions, are being carried out. Contrasting the capabilities of FTIR with dispersive infrared spectrophotometry in these cases gives a deeper understanding of the inherent superiority of FTIR and of certain aspects of instrument development. In addition, the availability of FTIR is increasing student-faculty research activities, thus strengthening the professional training of chemistry majors. At Lafayette College, a large proportion of these are women.
