Platform for Aldehyde and Ketone Quantitation Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Colorimetric methods for aldehyde and ketone analyses are plagued by interferences. Each aldehyde or ketone generates a blue color, but with a different reaction coefficient. It is, therefore, not possible to differentiate these compounds from a single test. By using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate unique fingerprints for each reaction product, enabling aldehyde and ketone speciation. With the further addition of an isotopologue internal standard, we demonstrate aldehyde and ketone quantification at levels lower than those possible with colorimetric techniques. This method paves the way for a powerful and practical tool for analyzing these crucial chemical building blocks.