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Edexcel A-Level Chemistry AS 10.21 Interpret Data From Mass Spectra to Suggest Possible Structures of Simple Organic Compounds Using the M Z of the Molecular Questions

Practise Edexcel IAL Chemistry 10.21 by using molecular-ion and fragment m/z values, isotope patterns and relative intensities to suggest structures and distinguish isomers.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Chemistry YCH11
Level
AS

Exam points

  • use the molecular-ion m/z to determine molecular mass and possible formula
  • interpret fragmentation m/z peaks to suggest structural fragments
  • distinguish isomers using characteristic fragments and isotope patterns

Edexcel A-Level Chemistry AS 10.21 Interpret Data From Mass Spectra to Suggest Possible Structures of Simple Organic Compounds Using the M Z of the Molecular Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Terpenes and terpenoids are groups of chemicals found in plants.
They contribute to the smell and taste of the plant, and so are used in flavourings and perfumes.

Both terpenes and terpenoids have carbon skeletons based on one or more units of the compound isoprene.

Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Chemistry AS 10.21 Interpret Data From Mass Spectra to Suggest Possible Structures of Simple Organic Compounds Using the M Z of the Molecular Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Chemistry AS

isoprene
Terpenes are made up of two or more isoprene units joined together, while terpenoids have additional functional groups, often containing oxygen.

Limonene and myrcene are both terpenes composed of two isoprene units.
Menthol, linalool and citronellol are terpenoids containing an - OH group.

The peaks with the highest intensity in the mass spectrum of isoprene are at m / z=68 and m / z=53.
Identify the species responsible for these two peaks.
m / z=68

m / z=53
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