The absorption band for the O-H stretch in the IR spectrum of an alcohol is sharp and narrow in the case of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A gas phase spectrum of the alcohol will have a sharp and narrow O-H stretch absorption band because in the gas phase, intermolecular interactions that can cause broadening of the absorption band are minimized. In contrast, a Nujol mull (a mixture of the alcohol and an IR-transparent oil), a concentrated solution, or the neat liquid state will all have various degrees of intermolecular interactions that can cause broadening of the band, resulting in a less sharp and narrow absorption band.

The Absorption Band for the O-H Stretch in the IR