2.2 extra - Fragmentation

Question 1

What is fragmentation?

Answer 1

The process which forms the positive ions in mass spectrometry

Question 2

What is the general equation for how the positive ions form?

Answer 2

M (g) + e- –> M+ (g) + 2e-

M= gaseous sample that is injected into mass spectrometer

e- = the sample is hit with a high-energy electron to kick out another electron

Question 3

What is the general equation for fragmentation?

Answer 3

M+ (g) –> X+ (g) + Y+ (g)

Fragmentation produces an ion and a free radical

Question 4

What is a radical?

Answer 4

An atom / group of atoms with an unpaired electron

Question 5

What is attracted to the charged plates in mass spectrometer?

Answer 5

The ion

It is detected subsequently

Question 6

What happens when a molecular ion forms?

Answer 6

It is detected by the mass spectrometer and produces a peak in the mass spectrum

Question 7

What is the peak to the furthest right?

Answer 7

A parent molecular ion - also Mr of molecule