Mass Spectrometer

Stages of mass spectrometer

1\. Vaporization

2\. Ionization \n 3. Acceleration \n 4. Deflection \n 5. Detection

1\. Vaporisation

Sample placed in mass spectrometer, dissolved in volatile solvent, sample is vaporized

2. Ionization

After being vapourised, turn into cations/positively charged ions

3. Acceleration

cations attracted to negatively charged plate \n causes it to accelerate \n heavier ions accelerate more slowly and mroe difficult to deflect \n so ions of each isotope seperated (according to m/z ratio)

5. Detection

The ions are detected on a mass spectrum as a mass-to-charge ratio \n m/z \n greater abundance = greater signal

Uses

provide structural info \n \n Identify unknown compound \n \n determine relative abundance of each isotope of element

Why is vacuum used

excludes air \n \n prevents ions colliding with air particles and slowing down