Applying the method of density functional theory calculations, we examine the Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) of crystal violet. The resulting optimized structure is of point symmetry D 3 , and the calculated Raman spectrum provides an excellent match with the observed normal Raman spectrum. This provides a reliable assignment of the symmetry and normal modes of the observed spectrum, which consists of bands assigned to modes of either a 1 or e symmetry. The e modes are not split, showing that D 3 symmetry remains, even on the surface. The SERS spectra, both normal and single-molecule, are dominated by the nontotally symmetric e vibrations, which are preferentially enhanced in accord with the Herzberg-Tellersurface selection rules. The mechanism involves intensity borrowing through vibronic coupling between a charge-transfer state and the lowest-lying π f π* transition. A quantitative measure of the degree of charge transfer is obtained by analyzing the potential dependence of SERS intensities. This indicates a considerable contribution of charge-transfer intensity to the overall SERS enhancement.

FT-Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy were applied in the vibrational characterization and study of the adsorption and acidity behavior of the highly fluorescent anthraquinone dye alizarin on Ag colloids prepared by chemical reduction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The SERS spectra were obtained at different conditions of pH, excitation wavelength and pigment concentration in order to deduce the adsorption mechanism of this molecule. On the basis of the results found we propose an adsorption model for alizarin, which has a different acidic behavior on the metal surface to that in solution. On the metal the deprotonation order of the OH groups changes with respect to the aqueous solution, the OH in position 1 being the first to be ionized instead of that in position 2 as occurs in solution. The two main alizarin forms identified on the metal surface correspond to the mono-and dianionic alizarin species.

Two different silver colloids were prepared by chemical reduction of silver nitrate with trisodium citrate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride to compare their characteristics in relation to their possible use in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The morphology and plasmon resonance of the single nanoparticles and aggregates integrating these colloids were characterized by means of UV-vis absortion spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing important differences between each type of nanoparticle as concerns their physical properties. These metallic systems also manifested differences in the aggregation and the adherence to glass surfaces, revealing significant differences in the chemical surface properties of these nanoparticles. SERS and surface-enhanced IR also indicated the presence of interference bands which can overlap the spectra of the analyte, mainly in the case of the citrate colloid. All these differences have an important influence on the applicability of these nanostructured systems in SERS. In fact, the enhancement factor and spectral pattern of the SERS obtained by using alizarin as a molecule probe are different.

The Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) of flavone and three of its hydroxy derivatives, 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) and 5-hydroxyflavone (5-HF) and quercetin (3,5,7,3 ,4 pentahydroxyflavone) have been obtained. The normal Raman (NR) spectra were taken in the powder form. The SERS spectra were obtained both on Ag colloids and Ag electrode substrates. Assignments of the spectrally observed normal modes were aided by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional and the 6-31+G * basis, a split valence polarized basis set with diffuse functions. Excellent fits were obtained for the observed spectra with little or no scaling. The most intense lines of the NR spectra are those in the C O stretching region (near 1600 cm −1 ). These lines are often weakened by proximity to the surface, while other lines at lower wavenumbers, due to in-plane ring stretches, tend to be strongly enhanced. The SERS spectrum of flavone is weak both on the colloid and on the electrode, indicating weak attachment to the surface. In contrast, the SERS spectra of the hydroxy derivatives of flavone are intense, indicating the assistance of OH groups in attachment to the surface. The spectra of the various species are compared, and a case study of application to detection of a textile dye (Persian berries), which contains quercetin, is presented.

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:  We obtain the normal Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectrum of three controlled substances: morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The spectra are assigned with the aid of density functional theory. Because of rather intense fluorescence, normal Raman spectra suffer from poor signal‐to‐noise, even when differential subtraction techniques are employed. On the other hand, surface enhancement by Ag nanoparticles both enhances the Raman signal and suppresses the fluorescence, enabling far more sensitive detection and identification. We also present a set of discriminant bands, useful for distinguishing the three compounds, despite the similarities in their structures.

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