Determining compound from IR and mass spec

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the formula and structure of an unknown organic compound using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (mass spec). Participants explore the implications of the spectral data and seek guidance on how to interpret the results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the compound may be CH2N based on the presence of NH and CH groups in the IR scan.
  • Another participant lists various molecular formulas derived from mass spec data using the CxHy rule, expressing uncertainty about how to proceed with the analysis.
  • A participant points out that the mass spectrum indicates the presence of bromine due to the observed isotopic pattern, suggesting that some peaks are separated by 2 m/z units.
  • One participant questions whether the IR spectra correspond to the same compound or different ones, highlighting the need for clarity in the analysis.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the ability to determine the structures based solely on the provided spectra, noting the limitations of the information available.
  • One participant adds additional IR scans for further analysis, indicating a desire for more input on the data.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the spectral data. There is no consensus on the identity of the compounds or the validity of the proposed formulas, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to the analysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in the information provided by the IR and mass spec data, particularly regarding the ability to definitively identify the compounds without further context or data.

mimibajiduh
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Using the IR full scan, I have to determine the formula and the structure of the compound. I have attached the scans. Looking at the IR scan, I see that I have an NH and a CH. So is my compound CH2N??

I also have a mass spec output for an unknown organic compound. I have to determine the structure and formula. Using the CxHy rule, I have the following:

42= C3H6
50= C4H2
67= C5H7
81= C6H9
93= C7H9
107= C8H10
138= C11H6

I am not sure what to do after this...do I just write the formulas together and that is my answer??
 

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mimibajiduh said:
Using the IR full scan, I have to determine the formula and the structure of the compound. I have attached the scans. Looking at the IR scan, I see that I have an NH and a CH. So is my compound CH2N??

I also have a mass spec output for an unknown organic compound. I have to determine the structure and formula. Using the CxHy rule, I have the following:

42= C3H6
50= C4H2
67= C5H7
81= C6H9
93= C7H9
107= C8H10
138= C11H6

I am not sure what to do after this...do I just write the formulas together and that is my answer??

Start by looking at this, as it seems that you lack some fundmental knowledge about how mass spec works. http://www.cem.msu.edu/~reusch/VirtualText/Spectrpy/MassSpec/masspec1.htm"
 
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ok so i went to the link and i still think i did everything right. what am i doing wrong?? :(
 
Hi mimibajiduh, I looked at the spectra and they seem peculiar. Do they correspong to the same compound or to two different ones?
 
It is definite that the mass spectrum gives clue that the compound contains bromine - it follows from the fact that in nature Br is represented by two isotopes Br-79 and Br-81 respectively in almost 50:50 abundance (thus its averaged molar mass given in Periodic Table is 79,9). So if a substance contains one Br atom in its mass spectrum some of the peaks will go in pairs of pretty the same intensity and separated by 2 m/z units - just what you have at 81, 93, 107 and 138 (these correspond to molecules containing Br-81). The mass of molecule without a Br atom would then be 138-81=57 wuala! It is just what as we have in the spectrum :).
 
oh sorry for not mentioning it in my original post, they are two different ones.
 
Well it is kind of impossible to guess the structures then - see yourself: IR spectrum only gives us information about functional groups in the compound 1 and we can say that it has either NH or OH group (both give a broad peak at 3500-3000 cm-1) and from mass spectrum of the compound 2 we can say that it contains one Br atom and that is all. I hardly believe that there are people in the world who could tell what are these compound basing on spectra you give, but good luck anyway ))
 
i have attached 2 more scans of the rest of the info i have for the IR. i don't know if it will help or not.
 

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