Mass Spectrometry (Oxford AQA International A Level Chemistry)
Revision Note
Written by: Richard Boole
Reviewed by: Stewart Hird
Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to identify unknown compounds
When a molecule is analysed in a mass spectrometer, the vaporised sample is ionised which creates molecular ions, MOLECULE+•:
MOLECULE MOLECULE+• + e–
The peak with the highest mass to charge ratio or m/z value is the molecular ion (M+) peak
This gives information about the molecular mass of the compound
The m/z value of the molecular ion peak is the relative molecular mass of the compound
The M+1 peak
The [M+1] peak is a smaller peak which is due to the natural abundance of the isotope carbon-13
The height of the [M+1] peak for a particular ion depends on the number of atoms in the molecule
More carbon atoms = a larger [M+1] peak
For example, the [M+1] peak for a hexane ion will be higher / bigger than the [M+1] peak for an ethane ion
Fragmentation
The molecular ion can further fragment to form new ions, molecules, and radicals
Fragmentation of a molecule in mass spectroscopy
The relative abundances of the detected ions form a mass spectrum
Mass spectrum of pent-1-ene
The fragments in a mass spectrum are like a molecular fingerprint that can be used by a computer to identify the compound from a database
Fragments appear due to the formation of characteristic fragments or the loss of small molecules
Table of common fragments and small molecules
Fragment | m/z | Small molecule | m/z |
---|---|---|---|
CH3+ | 15 | H2O | 18 |
C2H5+ | 29 | CO | 28 |
C3H7+ | 43 | CO2 | 44 |
Worked Example
Which alcohol is not likely to have a peak at m/z = 43 in its mass spectrum?
2-methylpropan-1-ol, (CH3)2CHCH2OH
Pentan-2-ol, CH3CH(OH)CH2CH2CH3
Butan-1-ol, CH3CH2CH2CH2OH
Butan-2-ol, CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3
Answer:
A line at m/z = 43 corresponds to an ion with a mass of 43 for example:
[CH3CH2CH2]+
[(CH3)2CH]+
Butan-2-ol does not have either of these C3H7+ ions within its structure so it cannot produce a mass spectrum peak at m/z = 43
Low resolution mass spectrometry
Low resolution mass spectrometry typically reports mass to 2 decimal places
This uses more accurate values for atomic mass than are shown on the periodic table
For example:
Hydrogen = 1.00
Carbon = 12.00
Oxygen = 16.00
Low resolution mass spectrometry is suitable for general analysis or identifying simple compounds
However, it does not work for molecules with similar molecular masses
High resolution mass spectrometry
High resolution mass spectrometry typically reports mass to 4 or 5 decimal places
The values for atomic mass are far more precise than the periodic table
For example:
Hydrogen = 1.00783
Carbon = 12.0000
Oxygen = 15.99491
Therefore, a more precise molecular mass can be calculated
This means that it is possible to:
Determine the molecular formula of a compound
Distinguish between molecules with similar molecular masses
However, it does not work for isomers because they have an identical molecular mass
Comparing low and high resolution mass spectrometry
Molecule | Low resolution MS | High resolution MS |
---|---|---|
Propane, C3H8 | (3 x 12.00) + (8 x 1.00) = 44.00 | (3 x 12.0000) + (8 x 1.00783) = 44.06264 |
Ethanal, CH3CHO | (2 x 12.00) + (4 x 1.00) + 16.00 = 44.00 | (2 x 12.00) + (4 x 1.00783) + 15.99491 = 44.02623 |
Worked Example
Fluoroethyne, CHCF, and carbon dioxide, CO2, both have a relative molecular mass of 44.00.
Explain how mass spectrometry can be used to distinguish between these compounds. Show your working.
Ar (H) = 1.00783
Ar (C) = 12.0000
Ar (O) = 15.99491
Ar (F) = 18.9984
Answer:
High resolution mass spectrometry will distinguish between the compounds because it it more accurate
Mr (CHCF) = (2 x 12.0000) + 1.00783 + 18.9984 = 44.00623
Mr (CO2) = 12.00 + (2 x 15.99491) = 43.98982
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