MASS

SPECTROMETRY
(MS)
Mass Spectrometry
MS gives an exact measure of molecular mass.
An electron beam (70ev) dislodges an electron
from a sample giving M
+
, a radical cation.
A potential difference of ~10000 v accelerates the
ions. Radicals are not affected.
The ions pass through a magnetic field causing the
ions to curve (heavier ones less than lighter ones).
Radicals are not affected by the magnetic field.
Ions collide with the detector to give a spectrum
with particles arranged by mass.

Mass Spectrometry
The most intense peak is called the base peak.
The highest MW peak is the usually the molecular
ion, M
+
or M, and equals the MW of the compound.
Isotopes of certain atoms produce M+1 and M+2
peaks, some of which are very characteristic.
Odd numbers of nitrogen give an odd M peak.
The radical cation is unstable and fragments
during flight. Fragment weights can assist in
determining structure.
M
+
A
+
+ B or A + B
+


Isotopic Abundances
M
+
% M + 1 % M + 2 %
1
H 100
12
C 98.9
13
C 1.1
14
N 99.6
15
N 0.4
16
O 99.8
18
O 0.2
32
S 95
33
S 0.8
34
S 4.2
35
Cl 75.5
37
Cl 24.5
79
Br 50.5
81
Br 49.5
127
I 100
Mass Spectrometry Linear Alkane
CH
3
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
3
Mass Spectrometry Branched
Alkane
Mass Spectrometry Branched
Alkane
Mass Spectrometry - Alkene
Mass Spectrometry - Chloroalkane
Mass Spectrometry - Bromoalkane
Mass Spectrometry Sulfide
Mass Spectrometry - Alcohol
END
MASS
SPECTROMETRY
(MS)