Examinations of the Matrix Isolation Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Organic Compounds: Part XII

Matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectra (MI/FT-IR), mass spectra (MS), carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 13 C-NMR) spectra, condensed-phase infrared spectra, and vapor-phase infrared (IR) spectra are presented for a series of terpene compounds. Subtle differences in positional and configurational isomers commonly found with terpenes could be easily detected by the MI/FT-IR spectra. The results are comparable in some aspects to those obtainable from 13 C-NMR and thin-film IR; however, most importantly, they are acquired at the low nanogram level for MI/FT-IR, as compared to the milligram level for the other techniques. These results represent an advance in the technology available for the analysis of complex mixtures such as essential oils containing terpene-like molecules.