Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) is a common analytical technique for quantitative and qualitative analysis of solid, liquid, or gas samples including conjugated unsaturated, carbonyl, nitro, bromine, and/or iodine containing organic compounds and transition metal complexes. The methods are based on the absorption of energy of a compound in the wavelength range 200-800 nm. The intensity of the absorbance is dictated by Beer's law. The light absorbed by a sample can be calculated and provides a very sensitive and reproducible means for determining the concentration of absorbing species.

Examples

Because UV-VIS techniques are relatively inexpensive and rapid, they are utilized to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the presence of a species in a mixture. Specific examples include:

• Determination of transition metals in water as complexes
• Concentration of functional groups derivatized with UV-VIS absorbing agents
• Detection of aromatic materials in liquids, solids, and gasses
• Differentiation between conjugated and unconjugated unsaturates