Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Freshly Isolated β-Carotene

Abstract

The  β-carotene from fresh carrots was isolated using columnchromatography. The UV spectrum was  recorded to ascertain thatthe separation is complete. An FTIR spectrum recotded in the range4000-500 cm^-1 shows the presence of all-trans, 7-cis and 15-cisisomers of  β-carotene in the sample. The frequencies of absorptionin the spectrum have been identified to the different modes ofvibration for the molecule. Another FTIR spectrum of the samplerecotded after a week of cold dark storage to identify any changesin the spectrum and to investigate the stability of stucture ofβ-carotene during storage.