1.1 These practices describe a data system generated from 1955 through 1974. It is in world-wide use as the largest publicly available data base. It is recognized that it does not represent the optimum way to generate a new data base with the most modern computerized equipment.

1.2 These practices describe procedures for identification of individual chemical substances using infrared absorption spectroscopy and band indexes of spectral data. Use of absorption spectroscopy for qualitative analysis has been described by many (1-8), but the rapid matching of the spectrogram of a sample with a spectral data in the literature by use of a band index system designed for machine sorting was contributed by Kuentzel (9). It is on Kuentzel's system that the ASTM indexes of absorption spectral data are based.

1.3 Use of these practices requires, in addition to a recording spectrometer and access to published reference spectra, the encoded data and suitable data handling equipment.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.