UV-Vis Spectra: Multiple peaks for one component I am working on a project in my lab, and we are analyzing capsaicin using HPLC. I am trying to find an appropriate wavelength for the HPLC using a UV-Vis spectrometer. When analyzing the pure capsaicin standard dissolved in methanol, I of course use methanol as a blank. However, I got two peaks, one around 230nm and one at 280nm. Since the system automatically subtracts the methanol, I can't understand why I am getting two peaks. 
Anyway, 230 yielded the maximum absorbance, so I used that in my HPLC. I didn't get great results and decided to read some literature on the project. I saw that most other people had a UV-Vis spectrum like mine, but they decided to use 280nm. Why is that?
Different functional groups may show different absorptions and even a single functional group may exhibit two signals in your UV-VIS spectrum, e.g. corresponding to $\pi,\pi^*$ or $n,\pi^*$ transitions.

While HPLC grade methanol is typically much cheaper than acetonitrile, it might not be the best choice here. You might want to have a look at the cutoff wavelengths of different solvents.

I'd definitely give measurements at $\lambda = $ 280 nm a try.