Mass Spec Quiz Aldehyde

Mass Spectra Interpretation: ALDEHYDE

Quiz Instructions:

Electron impact Mass Spectrometry produced the spectra below.  Many Peaks are labelled to aid interpretation: M/Z (relative abundance).  Look at the Hints for help.  You will need a Periodic Table, a Table of Common Isotopes, a calculator, and scratch paper to work the quiz.

No. of Questions = 8


1. How many oxygens are in the molecular ion peak in this spectrum?

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q1

This can be determined from isotope abundances of the molecular ion (58) and its +2 peak (60). Note: oxygen(18) has a relative abundance of 0.2%, verses oxygen(16)`s relative abundance of 100%.

WRONG  --> (0.27/90)x100=0.3, 0.3/0.2=1 oxygen

CORRECT --> (0.27/90)x100=0.3, 0.3/0.2=1 oxygen

WRONG  --> (0.27/90)x100=0.3, 0.3/0.2=1 oxygen


2. For this same spectrum, choose the compound that the spectrum represents.

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q1

The CHO peak (29) is prominent for smaller aldehydes.

WRONG  --> MW is too high (72)

CORRECT --> MW is 58, 29 is formed by loss of 29 (CH2CH3) from 58

WRONG  --> MW is too low (56)

WRONG  --> this compound is not an aldehyde

WRONG  --> in this compound, 2 oxygens would cause the m/z 60 isotope peak to be 0.40 relative to m/z 58


3.Find the alkyl ion series in the spectra below. (Check the hint!)

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q3

An alkyl ion series is a pattern formed by: (CH2)nCH3, where n=0,1,2,3,...

CORRECT --> CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3

WRONG  --> this is the alkyl ion loss series

WRONG  --> there is a series


4.Find the alkyl LOSS ion series in the same spectra shown below. (Check the hint!)

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q3

Alkyl ion loss is a pattern formed by MW less alkyl loss [(CH2)nCH3, where n=0,1,2,3,...]

WRONG  --> this is the alkyl series

CORRECT --> this is the loss series observed in the spectra: 72-43=29, 72-29=43, 72-15=57

WRONG  --> there is a series


5.For this same spectrum, choose the compound that the spectrum represents.

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q3

Loss of C2H4 (28) from the molecular ion is characteristic of aliphatic aldehydes.

WRONG  --> MW is too low (56)

WRONG  --> in this compound, branching would reduce the intensity of 57

WRONG  --> MW is too high (86)

WRONG  --> in this compound, 2 oxygens would cause the m/z 74 isotope peak to be 0.40 relative to m/z 72

CORRECT --> MW is 72, 44 is formed by loss of 28 (C2H4) from 72


6. Choose the compound that this spectrum represents.

Mass Spec Aldehyde Quiz Q6

Longer alkyl chains with no branching reduces the intensity of the molecular ion.

WRONG  --> MW is too high (100)

WRONG  --> in this compound, branching would increase the intensity of the molecular ion

CORRECT --> MW is 86, 44 is formed by loss of 28 (C2H4) from 86

WRONG  --> MW is too low (72)

WRONG  --> in this compound, stability of a quaternary carbon would produce an intense 57


7. Choose the compound that this spectrum represents.

Mass Spec Aldehyde Q7

Alkyl branching may stabilize the molecular ion.

CORRECT --> MW is 72, 43 is formed by loss of 28 (C2H4) from 72

WRONG  --> in this compound, no branching would increase the intensity of 57

WRONG  --> in this compound, 2 oxygens would cause the m/z 74 isotope peak to be 0.40 relative to m/z 72

WRONG  --> MW is too low (56)

WRONG  --> MW is too high (86)


8. Choose the compound that this spectrum represents.

Mass Spec Aldehyde Q8

Alkyl branching may also stabilize the fragment which includes the substituted carbon.

CORRECT --> MW is 86, 57 is formed by loss of 29 (HCO) from 86

WRONG  --> MW is too high (100)

WRONG  --> MW is too low (72)

WRONG  --> in this compound, the secondary carbon would increase the intensity of 43

WRONG  --> in this compound, no branching would reduce 57 and the molecular ion would be less intense

Written by Dr. Linda Breci (retired).

If you have comments or suggestions, email Dr. Michael Marty at mtmarty@arizona.edu.