Mass Spectrometry Essay

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Chempocalypse Now! Chapter 05 – Mass Spectrometry Page 1 Chapter 05 – Mass Spectrometry Topic A4 from the IB HL Chemistry Curriculum Assessment Statement Determine the molecular mass of a compound from the molecular ion peak. Analyze fragmentation patterns in a mass spectrum to find the structure of a compound. Obj 3 Teacher’s Notes A.4.1 A.4.2 3 Examples of fragments should include: +  (Mr – 15) loss of CH3 +  (Mr – 17) loss of OH +  (Mr – 29) loss of C2H5 or CHO +  (Mr – 31) loss of CH3O +  (Mr – 45) loss of COOH Determining the molecular mass of a compound The mass spectrometer was introduced in Chapter 04, where we saw it was used to find the mass of individual atoms and the relative abundances of different isotopes. The instrument can be used in a similar way to find the relative molecular mass of a compound. If the empirical formula is also known from compositional analysis, the molecular formula can be determined. The technique also provides useful clues about the molecular structure. The following exercise is designed to refresh your memory about empirical and molecular formulas and organic functional groups: Exercise: An unknown compound has the following mass composition: C, 40.0%; H, 6.7%; O, 53.3%. The largest mass recorded on the mass spectrum of the compound corresponds to a relative molecular mass of 60. Calculate the empirical formula and determine the molecular formula of the compound. Use your knowledge of chemical formulas and organic chemistry to identify any functional groups that might be present. Show all work in the space below. Chempocalypse Now! Chapter 05 – Mass Spectrometry Page 2 Mass spectrometry – instrumentation In its simplest form, the mass spectrometer performs three essential functions. First, it subjects molecules to bombardment by a stream of high-energy electrons, converting some of the molecules to ions, which

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