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Modern Analytical Techniques I

Mass spectrometry

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

The molecular ion peak and reading Mᵣ from it, why isotope peaks can sit at higher m/z, how fragmentation arises and why only positive fragments are detected, the groups lost at 15, 17, 29 and 45, and calculating mass lost to propose a structure.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Process

What can a mass spectrum tell you about a compound?

Key term

In a mass spectrum, a loss of 15 mass units from the molecular ion indicates the loss of which group?

Key term

What does the molecular ion peak (M⁺) in a mass spectrum represent?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does the molecular ion peak (M⁺) in a mass spectrum represent?

    Model answer

    The intact molecule that has lost one electron.

  2. 2

    What does the molecular ion peak tell you about Mᵣ?

    Model answer

    Take the m/z at the molecular ion peak; that value is Mᵣ.

  3. 3

    How is an organic compound's relative molecular mass read off a mass spectrum?

    Model answer

    Read the m/z value of the molecular ion peak, which is typically the peak at highest m/z (excluding isotope peaks).

  4. 4

    Why might the molecular ion peak not be the absolute highest m/z peak in a mass spectrum?

    Model answer

    Because isotope peaks (such as those containing ¹³C) may appear at slightly higher m/z values than the main molecular ion peak.

  5. 5

    Explain how fragmentation patterns arise in mass spectrometry.

    Model answer

    The molecular ion breaks apart into smaller positively charged fragments and neutral species.

  6. 6

    Why do only some fragments from the molecular ion appear as peaks in the mass spectrum?

    Model answer

    Only positively charged fragments are detected; neutral species are not recorded.

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