Solving Ionic Compound Analysis and Relative Atomic Mass with Mass Spectrometer

[Clari]

Here are two chem questions that I can't figure them out...please give me some hints on solving them
1.) Ionic compounds( not simple molecular) can also be analyzed by mass spectrometer. Syggest how the sample can be vaporized.

It can't be heating I think.

2.) Elements X and Y form a molecular compound $$XY_{3}$$. $$XY_{3}$$ shows the following m/e values: 88(molecular ion), 69,50,31,19. Calculate the relative atomic masses of X and Y respectively

 

[chem_tr]

Hello,

1) I am not sure, but ionic compounds are given to the spectrometer with a trace of volatile gas like ammonia as the ammonia matrix; which can also be expressed as "ammoniacal solution", and processed easily.

2) It may be postulated that X+3Y=88; X+2Y=69 and Y=19, X=31. It can be solved by a simple algebra move, if I'm not mistaken.

Regards, chem_tr

 

[ravenprp]

.

For the first question, one possible way to vaporize the sample is by using a technique called electrospray ionization. This involves converting the sample into a fine mist and then using an electric field to ionize the particles. Another option could be using laser desorption/ionization, where a high-energy laser is used to vaporize the sample and create ions.

For the second question, we can use the m/e values to determine the mass of the molecular ion (88). This mass is equal to the mass of X + 3 mass of Y. We can then set up a system of equations using the other m/e values to solve for the relative atomic masses of X and Y. For example, 88 = mass of X + 3 mass of Y, 69 = mass of X + 2 mass of Y, 50 = mass of X + mass of Y, and so on. Solving this system of equations will give us the relative atomic masses of X and Y.