Infrared absorption

What is infrared spectroscopy?

When bonds absorb infrared (IR)

What are peaks caused by?

Fragment ions

How are fragment ions formed?

The compound gets hit by electrons from all over, creating one ion and one radical

What is the molecular peak?

This is the peak with the highest value, which shows the mass of the molecule

How does isotopes affect the peaks?

Isotopes can create a peak right next to the molecular peak, called M+1 peak

How do you figure out the structure of a molecule from mass spectrometry?

1. Take a sample of the compound and use infrared to the bonds involved

2. Draw the structure using the functional group and molecular peak.

3. Look at the structures you made, and fragment them. Gather the Mr of each fragment then match it up the peaks.