[dan2000]

I am having some difficulty in identifying 1,10-phenanthroline via IR.

This is the spectrum from Sigma Aldrich's 1,10-phenanthroline http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/spectra/ftir/FTIR000772.PDF

Im trying to identify this via IR using the C=N stretch (1690-1640, medium), which isnt present in the IR spec.

Most IR problems before involved easy peaks like C=O, but I cant find identifying peaks for this chemical.

Is there a clear way to identify presence of phenanthroline?

[Irlanur]

Do you HAVE to do it by IR?

[dan2000]

No, but it's just an easiest method at hand.

NMR etc is possible if IR is not viable.

Or if you have any suggestions for easier alternatives, it would be very much appretiated.

[Corribus]

The problem is that all the carbons and nitrogens in phen are conjugated. Probably most of phen's IR spectrum is dominated by aromatic breathing modes and C-H vibrations, none of which are going to be especially diagnostic of phen as compared to other similar aromatics.

NMR and a mass is probably the best way to go for this molecule. You might use UV-Vis and fluorescence but they won't provide absolute confirmation.