the electron ionization mass spectrum of a small neutral molecule shows a base peak at 27 and a smaller peak at 26 with a relative abundance of 20%. Deduce the structure of the unknown compound.  Draw a cation that corresponds to this peak.

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...
icon
Related questions
Question

the electron ionization mass spectrum of a small neutral molecule shows a base peak at 27 and a smaller peak at 26 with a relative abundance of 20%. Deduce the structure of the unknown compound. 

Draw a cation that corresponds to this peak.

2,2,4-trimethylpentane
CH3
CH3
H3C
H3C
C
C'
H₂
CH
CH3
Transcribed Image Text:2,2,4-trimethylpentane CH3 CH3 H3C H3C C C' H₂ CH CH3
Step 4: Consider common alkyl fragmentation patterns.
Alkanes will often fragment to lose a diagnostic group. Calculate the difference between the molecular ion and the base peak.
• If the difference is 15, that indicates loss of a CH3 radical
• If the difference is 29, that indicates loss of an ethyl radical
• If the difference is 43, that indicates loss of a propyl radical
• If the difference is 57, that indicates loss of a butyl radical
Consider the structure of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. The mass spectrum of this structure shows a base peak at 57.
Transcribed Image Text:Step 4: Consider common alkyl fragmentation patterns. Alkanes will often fragment to lose a diagnostic group. Calculate the difference between the molecular ion and the base peak. • If the difference is 15, that indicates loss of a CH3 radical • If the difference is 29, that indicates loss of an ethyl radical • If the difference is 43, that indicates loss of a propyl radical • If the difference is 57, that indicates loss of a butyl radical Consider the structure of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. The mass spectrum of this structure shows a base peak at 57.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 6 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Mass Spectrometry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY