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1.7.6: Mass Spectrometry- Problems

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    358962
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    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    What is the m/z of the molecular ion in this mass spectrum?

    64-17-5_20211210_0238.jpg

    Hint

    Some compounds can lose a hydrogen easily, for example CH<sub>3</sub>OH (methanol) will lose an H to form CH<sub>2</sub>=OH<sup>+</sup>. In deciding whether 45 or 46 is the MW of this compound, ask whether the isotope ratio of peaks 45/46 makes sense? How about peaks 46/47?

    Answer

    The molecular ion peak has a m/z of 46.

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)

    The mass spectrum of which of the following compounds is in Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)?

    1. formic acid (aka methanoic acid)
    2. 1-propanol
    3. ethanol
    4. methanol
    5. 2-propanol
    Hint

    Alpha cleavage (the C-C bond next to the oxygen) occurs in alcohols. The fragment at 31 does not contain just carbon and hydrogen; it is part of a series (31, 45, 59) that indicates the presence of oxygen.

    Answer

    ethanol

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)

    Identify the molecular ion in the mass spectrum shown below.

    71-41-0_20211210_0301.jpg

    Hint

    Addition of an alcohol group to a saturated alkane reduces the intensity of the molecular ion (in fact, it may not be observed!).

    Answer

    88

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{4}\)

    An alkyl ion series is a pattern formed by alkyl groups. Identify the m/z values in Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\) for peaks corresponding to an alkyl ion.

    Hint

    Alkyl ion series will follow a pattern formed by CH<sub>3</sub>(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>n</sub> where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ....

    Answer

    15 (not shown and quite small), 29, 43, 57

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{5}\)

    The loss of an alkyl group also forms a distinct pattern. Identify the m/z values in Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\) for peaks corresponding to loss of an alkyl ion.

    Hint

    Alkyl ion series will follow a pattern formed by CH<sub>3</sub>(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>n</sub> where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, .... so there loss whould follow a pattern of mass loss from the molecular ion.

    Answer

    73, 59, 45, 31

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{6}\)

    Which of the following compounds is most likely the compound in Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)?

    2-methyl-2-propanol

    1-butanol

    2-butanol

    1-pentanol

    2-methyl-1-propanol

    Answer

    1-pentanol

    Although this could be deduced solely on the molar mass, it is the only compound that would likely see any loss of a butyl group.

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{7}\)

    The compound below has a degree of unsaturation of 4 and contains two halogen atoms. Identify the molecular ion in the mass spectrum shown below.

    clipboard_ee8ec8f2c55c40e392838b635da9b9f00.png

    Hint

    You may want to think about the mass of halogen atoms and the relative ratios of the isotopes to help narrow down the formula. Remember, there are two halogen atoms which will impact the expected distribution of the peaks.

    Answer

    146

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{8}\)

    Which compound is most likely present in Exercise \(\PageIndex{7}\)?

    difluorobenzene

    dichlorbenzene

    dibromobenzene

    diiodobenzene

    Answer

    dichlorobenzene

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{9}\)

    Does the group of peaks around m/z = 100 in in Exercise \(\PageIndex{7}\) still contain a halogen atom? Why or why not?

    Hint

    Think about the halogen that is present and the distribution of the isotopes.

    Answer

    Yes, the 3:1 ratio common for chlorine is still present. One could also consider the mass of the fragment.


    1.7.6: Mass Spectrometry- Problems is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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