The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Cooper Union Research Foundation, Inc.

John L Bove

Sheldon Walfish

A method of identifying and unknown compound comprises: (a) obtaining an absorption spectrum of the compound; (b) obtaining an absorbance value A(&#x3bd;) wherein Ais the absorption value at a wavenumber &#x3bd;; (c) generating an array of values A'(&#x3bd;&#x2032;) wherein A&#x2032;(&#x3bd;&#x2032;)=A&#x2032;(&#x3bd;&#x2032;)&#x2212;A&#x2033; where A&#x2033; is an absorbance value which is modified from the measured absorbance, such as Awhere Ais the average of A(&#x3bd;); (d) generating an array of values I(&#x3bd;) by integrating A&#x2032;(&#x3bd;&#x2032;) over a region of the spectrum; (e) normalizing the array of values I(&#x3bd;) with values I&#x2032;(&#x3bd;&#x2032;) obtained for a known compound. The system of this invention employs the above-described method in cooperation with a computer capable of receiving the absorption spectrum data and calculating values from the data using algorithms provided to the computer. The method and system of this invention may be used to identify unknown compounds for quality control, process control and other purposes.

System and method for identifying unknown compounds using spectra pattern recognition

Aldehydes and ketones, other than acetone, are oxidized with an alkali metal perborate in the presence of an acid.

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Ridgewood, NJ, United States of America

John L Bove