Knowledge Bank

A correct assignment of the fundamental frequencies in N-methyl foramide is of considerable importance since it is probably the simplest model compound for the peptide link in proteins. The infra-red spectrum of N-methyl formamide has been studied between 300 and $3600cm-1$ in the gaseous and liquid states and also in solution in non polar solvents. In addition, the Raman spectrum of the liquid has been obtained. From these results and similar studies on the corresponding N-deuterated compound it is possible to establish the majority of the fundamental frequencies.