Raman and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy supply complementary images of the vibrational spectra of molecules and crystals. IR, in particular, has long been used for the structure elucidation and identification of chemical substances. On the other hand, the enhanced predictive power of the combination of the two spectroscopic modes has until recently been hampered by the difficulty of obtaining satisfactory Raman spectra. The advent of laser technology has changed the situation and has brought Raman spectroscopy within the reach of every synthetic and analytical chemist.

This book is the only collection of Raman and IR spectra plotted on the same wavenumber scale for a large number of carefully selected substances. 1044 organic compounds taken from all important classes of organic compounds have been measured under controlled experimental conditions. The spectra are arranged following a classification scheme especially developed for the atlas. An introductory text and several indexes to substance classes and names, molecular formulas, and CAS Registry Numbers add to the value of this unique tool.

A first edition of this work was published as a loose-leaf collection in three volumes in the seventies and has long been sold out. The present revision is intended to meet renewed interest in Raman spectroscopy.