Spectroscopy

Question 1

What is mass spectrometry used for?

Answer 1

Identify molecular mass of an organic compound and to gain info on its structure

Question 2

What happens to an organic molecule when it’s placed in a mass spectrometer?

Answer 2

Loses an electron and forms a positive ion (molecular ion)

Question 3

What is the molecular ion peak?

Answer 3

The clear peak at the highest m/z value on the right hand side of the mass spectrum

Question 4

What are other peaks in a mess spectrum made by?

Answer 4

Fragment ions (molecular ion that has broken down into smaller chunks)

Question 5

What does the amount a bond stretches it bends under infrared depend upon?

Answer 5

Mass of the atoms in the bond - heavier = more vibrations

Strength of the bond - stinger =more vibrations

Question 6

What is infrared spectroscopy used for?

Answer 6

Identifying functional groups in organic molecules

Question 7

What is the fingerprint region?

Answer 7

Below 1500cm-1 in a infrared spectrum - contains unique peaks that can be used to identify molecules