The surface-enhanced infrared (SEIR) and surface-enhanced Raman scatte
ring (SERS) spectra of thin films of trans-1,2-(4-pyridyl) ethylene (B
PE) and its Na-6[Fe-2(CN)(10)]BPE (FeBPE) complex deposited on silver
island films are reported. Organic films of different thicknesses were
deposited onto infrared transparent substrates, smooth silver films a
nd silver island films to record transmission, reflection-absorption,
SERS and SEIR spectra. The infrared spectra so obtained are discussed,
considering the possibility of physical or chemical adsorption onto s
ilver surfaces. Simple electromagnetic calculations and PM3 normal mod
e analysis are used to help in the interpretation of the enhancement a
nd vibrational assignment respectively.