Invisible light that reveals molecules: the role of infrared radiation in chemistry

Authors

  • Fernando Ortega-Jiménez National Autonomous University of Mexico image/svg+xml

Author Biography

  • Fernando Ortega-Jiménez, National Autonomous University of Mexico

    Departamento de Ciencias Químicas. Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM, Avenida 1o. de Mayo s/n, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México 54740, Mexico.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18800/quimica.202602.002

Abstract

Infrared (IR) radiation is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is invisible to the human eye but very important for the chemical sciences. Using IR, particularly IR spectroscopy, chemists can identify compounds, verify product quality, or monitor the progress of a chemical reaction without destroying samples. This article provides a clear explanation of the operating principles of IR, as well as its applications in modern chemistry and its potential future developments, with examples ranging from the food industry to space exploration.

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Published

2026-10-12

How to Cite

Ortega-Jiménez, F. (2026). Invisible light that reveals molecules: the role of infrared radiation in chemistry. Revista de Química, 40(2), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.18800/quimica.202602.002