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Which of the following statements regarding mass spectrometry is wrong?
  • a)
    In a normal mass spectrometer, electron impact causes a molecule to lose an electron and become a molecular radical cation which decomposes into fragment cations and radicals.
  • b)
    Only cations can be detected by a normal mass spectrometer.
  • c)
    A compound whose molecules contain just one bromine atom shows two molecular ion peaks of similar intensity, one at +1 and one at -1 of the average m/z value.
  • d)
    Molecular ion peaks always have even-numbered values of m/z.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following statements regarding mass spectrometry is wrong...
The molecular mass of a molecule containing one nitrogen atom, for example, is an odd number of atomic mass units, so its molecular ion peak has an odd numbered m/z ratio; statement (d) is wrong.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following statements regarding mass spectrometry is wrong...
Understanding Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique used to identify compounds based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). It is essential to understand the nuances of molecular ion peaks and their characteristics.
Statement D: Explanation
The statement "Molecular ion peaks always have even-numbered values of m/z" is incorrect for the following reasons:
- Molecular Ion Peaks: The molecular ion peak corresponds to the intact molecule's mass, which can be odd or even depending on the molecular formula.
- Odd and Even M/z Values: Compounds with an odd number of nitrogen atoms or certain isotope distributions (like halogens) can lead to molecular ions with odd m/z values. For example, a molecule with one nitrogen atom will typically yield an odd m/z value because nitrogen has an atomic mass of about 14.
- Example of Bromine: A compound containing just one bromine atom will exhibit two peaks due to the presence of different isotopes (Br-79 and Br-81). These peaks will be centered around the average m/z value, potentially yielding odd and even values.
Conclusion
In summary, molecular ion peaks can exhibit both odd and even m/z values based on the molecular structure and isotopic composition. Therefore, statement D is incorrect, as it inaccurately claims that molecular ion peaks only have even-numbered m/z values.
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