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How could you distinguish the mass spectrum of 2,2-dimethylpropane from those of pentane and 2-methylbutane?

How could you distinguish the mass spectrum of 2,2-dimethylpropane from those of pentane and 2-methylbutane?

Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Mass Spec Question. Please help me understand. Thank you!

**Title: Understanding the Mass Spectrum Distinctions** **Question: How could you distinguish the mass spectrum of 2,2-dimethylpropane from those of pentane and 2-methylbutane?** **Explanation:** In mass spectrometry, each compound's mass spectrum presents a unique fragmentation pattern that helps in distinguishing between different molecules. Here, we will explore how to differentiate 2,2-dimethylpropane, pentane, and 2-methylbutane by analyzing their mass spectra: 1. **2,2-Dimethylpropane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Due to its highly branched structure, 2,2-dimethylpropane will show a significant molecular ion peak at m/z = 72. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: Expect prominent peaks corresponding to the loss of methyl groups (CH3), such as fragments at m/z = 57 (loss of CH3) and m/z = 43 (loss of (CH3)2). 2. **Pentane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Pentane will also show a molecular ion peak at m/z = 72 since it has the same molecular formula as 2,2-dimethylpropane. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: However, pentane's less-branched structure will result in a different fragmentation pattern. Look for fragments at m/z = 57 (loss of a methylene group, CH2) and m/z = 29 (loss of ethyl group, C2H5). 3. **2-Methylbutane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Similarly, 2-methylbutane will have a molecular ion peak at m/z = 72 due to the same molecular formula. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: 2-Methylbutane exhibits fragments that reflect its branching different from straight-chain pentane, such as m/z = 43 (loss of (CH3)2CH) and m/z = 57 (loss of (CH3)2CH-). By analyzing these mass spectra, one can distinguish between these three compounds through their unique fragmentation patterns, despite having identical molecular weights. --- **Graph/Diagram Explanation:** Consider adding respective mass spectrometry diagrams for each compound showing the
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding the Mass Spectrum Distinctions** **Question: How could you distinguish the mass spectrum of 2,2-dimethylpropane from those of pentane and 2-methylbutane?** **Explanation:** In mass spectrometry, each compound's mass spectrum presents a unique fragmentation pattern that helps in distinguishing between different molecules. Here, we will explore how to differentiate 2,2-dimethylpropane, pentane, and 2-methylbutane by analyzing their mass spectra: 1. **2,2-Dimethylpropane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Due to its highly branched structure, 2,2-dimethylpropane will show a significant molecular ion peak at m/z = 72. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: Expect prominent peaks corresponding to the loss of methyl groups (CH3), such as fragments at m/z = 57 (loss of CH3) and m/z = 43 (loss of (CH3)2). 2. **Pentane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Pentane will also show a molecular ion peak at m/z = 72 since it has the same molecular formula as 2,2-dimethylpropane. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: However, pentane's less-branched structure will result in a different fragmentation pattern. Look for fragments at m/z = 57 (loss of a methylene group, CH2) and m/z = 29 (loss of ethyl group, C2H5). 3. **2-Methylbutane (C₅H₁₂):** - **Molecular Ion Peak**: Similarly, 2-methylbutane will have a molecular ion peak at m/z = 72 due to the same molecular formula. - **Fragmentation Pattern**: 2-Methylbutane exhibits fragments that reflect its branching different from straight-chain pentane, such as m/z = 43 (loss of (CH3)2CH) and m/z = 57 (loss of (CH3)2CH-). By analyzing these mass spectra, one can distinguish between these three compounds through their unique fragmentation patterns, despite having identical molecular weights. --- **Graph/Diagram Explanation:** Consider adding respective mass spectrometry diagrams for each compound showing the
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