MASS SPECTROMETRY

Introduction:

Mass spectrometry (MS) provides the molecular weight and valuable information about the molecular formula, using a very small sample, The mass spectrum also provides structural information that can confirm a structure derived from NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Mass spectrometry is fundamentally different from spectroscopy. Spectroscopy involves the absorption (or emission) of light over a range of wavelengths. Mass spectrometry does not use light at all.

In the mass spectrometer, a sample is struck by high energy electrons, breaking the molecules apart. The masses of the fragments are measured, and this information is used to reconstruct the molecule. The process is similar to analyzing a vase by shooting it with a rifle, then weighing all the pieces.
Introduction:

Mass spectrometry (MS) provides the molecular weight and valuable information about the molecular formula, using a very small sample, The mass spectrum also provides structural information that can confirm a structure derived from NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Mass spectrometry is fundamentally different from spectroscopy. Spectroscopy involves the absorption (or emission) of light over a range of wavelengths. Mass spectrometry does not use light at all.

In the mass spectrometer, a sample is struck by high energy electrons, breaking the molecules apart. The masses of the fragments are measured, and this information is used to reconstruct the molecule. The process is similar to analyzing a vase by shooting it with a rifle, then weighing all the pieces.