UV-visible uses the property of colour to probe molecular structure and for quantitative analysis. Whilst its molecular fingerprinting ability is less than other spectroscopic techniques like NMR, infrared and Raman, its capability for quantitative analysis is significantly greater. Consequently, UV-visible spectroscopy offers significant advantages for the detection of molecules which absorb in this region of the spectrum. In some cases, UV detection is so sensitive that it can be used as a detector in chromatographic separation.
Useful information can be obtained from solutions, creams or solids so that materials as diverse as paints, sun- screens and leaves can be studied.