LAUSR

Abstract Phytic acid ( myo -inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexa kis phosphate; IP 6 ) is the storage substance for phosphorus and many metals in plant seeds. Based on Synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra in the mid-infrared range from 1300 to 700 cm −1 , nine synthesized metal-IP 6 salts, with monovalent to trivalent coordination, were classified into four groups: trivalent metal-IP 6 salts, second-group divalent metal-IP 6 salts, d-block and p-block divalent metal-IP 6 salts, and monovalent metal-IP 6 salts. Synchrotron FT-IR analysis in the far-infrared range, from 650 to 100 cm −1 , contained clear, broad bands specific to each metal-IP 6 salt, including monovalent and divalent metal-IP 6 salts. These broad bands are likely derived from vibrations of bonds between the metal and the oxygen of IP 6 . These unique far-infrared spectra may provide useful information for identifying metal-IP 6 salts in biochemical fine-image analyses of seed tissues using synchrotron-based FT-IR microspectroscopy.