The Infrared Spectrum of Ketene

Abstract

The infrared spectrum of gaseous ketene has been reinvestigated in the 500—1200 cm^—1 region with a recording prism spectrophotometer using KBr and NaCl optics. Because of an experimental procedure which enabled us to subtract the absorption of the impurities, a ketene absorption curve was obtained, probably more correct than that found by previous investigators. An interpretation of the numerous lines in the 500—1000 cm^—1 interval is given, resulting in a reassignment of some of the fundamental vibrational frequencies. Thermodynamic functions are recalculated.