Symmetric Stretching

Symmetric Stretching Definition:

In IR spectroscopy, when two bonds are stretching in phase with each other.

Symmetric Stretching Explained:

A bond in a molecule is asymmetric, or symmetric depends on the relative movement of the atoms connected by the bond. Let’s take a {CH2} group as an example. If the two hydrogen atoms connected to the carbon move in the same direction during stretching, it’s a symmetric stretch, if they are going in opposite directions, the stretch is asymmetric.