Chapter 16, Problem 16.28YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Hexane’s molecular ion can undergo the following two fragmentation pathways:

Both pathways involve the breaking of a $\text{C-C}$ bond. In the brackets provided, the appropriate structures for the two fragment ions are to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Fragmentation pathways of hexane’s molecular ion involve the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds. Each fragmentation produces a cation and an uncharged species, ensuring that the total charge after fragmentation is the same as it was before fragmentation, that is, ${\text{1}}^{+}$. Only the charged fragments can be detected in mass spectrometry.