Laser raman spectra of long chain sulfur derivatives

Laser Raman spectroscopy is proving to be an important complement to IR absorption spectroscopy in the analysis of derivatives of fatty acids and esters containing sulfur in their structure. Selected esters are being evaluated as extreme pressure lubricants, and information upon the nature of the sulfur linkages in these derivatives should be useful in preparing products with satisfactory performance characteristics. The techniques of laser excited Raman spectroscopy have been applied to elucidate the molecular structure of a series of mercaptans, sulfides, and disulfides, as well as sulfur containing derivatives of long chain fatty acids and esters.