SAFETY: Methyl salicylate is an irritant.
Methyl salicylate is used in low concentrations as wintergreen flavor, and as an analgesic too!
1. Make a list of each functional group in methyl salicylate
For every double bond, indicate whether it's conjugated or saturated
2. Go to the IR Table of Values (keep this open in a separate tab)
Find each functional group, corresponding bonds, and expected wavenumber ranges.
Include notes about peak shape: broad, strong, medium, weak
The substitution pattern of the benzene ring matters!
Notice the C-H bend region is large, go to Table 2 of the reference table to get a closer approximation of bending frequency based on substitution pattern of the benzene ring
Enter this information into a table, format below.
Follow the "expected wavenumber range" in your table, look for a signal that corresponds to each.
Enter the corresponding wavenumber from the spectrum below in the literature column of the methyl salicylate table
Some signals may not be labeled and some signals may overlap with others
It is not necessary to assign every signal indicated in the spectrum to a bond
Follow the "expected wavenumber range" in your table, look for a signal that corresponds to each
Enter the corresponding wavenumber from the spectrum below in the observed column of the methyl salicylate table
Some signals may not be labeled and some signals may overlap with others
It is not necessary to assign every signal indicated in the spectrum to a bond
Common mistake: labeling all peaks with the computer software.
Click the button on the right to see what not to do before analyzing carvone and aspirin.