Matrix-isolated (MI) Fourier transform infrared spectra have been collected on a series of aliphatic ketones. The values for the carbonyl absorptions maxima are intermediate between vapor-phase (VP) and solid-state solution (SS) phases. The data reveal a stereochemical influence on the position of the ketone carbonyl absorption when the carbons that are in the alpha position with respect to the carbonyl group contain alkyl substituents vs. protons. Steric bulk causes the frequency of the absorption to decrease. The position of the ketone carbonyl absorption was also shown to decrease as the carbonyl group migrated toward the center of a long straight-chain hydrocarbon backbone.