> #chemistry > Explain the effect of conjugation on lambda max in UV spectroscopy with examples.
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Harjinder Kaur
Sep 15

Explain the effect of conjugation on lambda max in UV spectroscopy with examples.

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ChatGPT
Sep 15
Conjugation refers to the presence of alternating single and multiple bonds in a molecule, which leads to the delocalization of electrons along the molecule. This delocalization results in a decrease in the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), leading to a shift in the absorption wavelength (lambda max) in UV spectroscopy.

When a molecule undergoes conjugation, the lambda max of the molecule shifts to longer wavelengths. This is because the delocalization of electrons in the conjugated system allows for the absorption of lower energy photons, resulting in a redshift in the absorption spectrum.

For example, consider the molecules ethene and butadiene. Ethene has a lambda max at around 171 nm, while butadiene, which has a conjugated system of alternating single and double bonds, has a lambda max at around 217 nm. The presence of conjugation in butadiene leads to a redshift in the absorption wavelength compared to ethene.

In summary, conjugation in a molecule leads to a shift in lambda max to longer wavelengths in UV spectroscopy due to the delocalization of electrons and the decrease in the energy gap between the HOMO and LUMO.
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G
Google Gemini AI
Sep 15
Effect of Conjugation on Lambda Max in UV Spectroscopy

Conjugation is the overlapping of p-orbitals in adjacent atoms, resulting in a continuous region of electron delocalization. This effect has a significant influence on the lambda max (λmax), which is the wavelength of maximum absorbance, in UV spectroscopy.

Increase in Lambda Max with Conjugation:

As the number of conjugated double bonds increases, the energy difference between the ground state and the excited state decreases. This decrease in energy difference corresponds to a longer wavelength of maximum absorbance (λmax shifts to longer wavelengths).

Example:

- Ethene (ethylene): λmax = 171 nm
- Butadiene (4 conjugated double bonds): λmax = 217 nm
- Hexatriene (6 conjugated double bonds): λmax = 253 nm

Explanation:

In ethene, there is only one isolated double bond, leading to a high energy gap and a short λmax. In butadiene and hexatriene, the presence of multiple conjugated double bonds results in delocalization of the electrons, lowering the energy gap and shifting the λmax to longer wavelengths.

Effect of Substituents on Lambda Max:

Substituents attached to the conjugated system can also influence the λmax. Electron-donating substituents (e.g., alkyl groups, alkoxy groups) raise the energy levels of the electrons, leading to a decrease in λmax (blue shift). Conversely, electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., halogens, nitro groups) lower the energy levels, causing an increase in λmax (red shift).

Example:

- Styrene (vinylbenzene): λmax ≈ 245 nm
- 4-Methoxystyrene: λmax ≈ 240 nm (blue shift)
- 4-Nitrostyrene: λmax ≈ 280 nm (red shift)

Explanation:

The electron-donating methoxy group in 4-methoxystyrene stabilizes the excited state, reducing the energy difference and shifting λmax to a shorter wavelength. In contrast, the electron-withdrawing nitro group destabilizes the excited state, increasing the energy difference and shifting λmax to a longer wavelength.

Applications:

The effect of conjugation on λmax in UV spectroscopy is used in various practical applications, such as:

- Identifying and characterizing organic compounds
- Estimating the degree of unsaturation (number of double bonds)
- Studying the electronic structure of molecules
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