How can I use an infrared spectrum with a mass spectrum to identify an unknown compound?

You’ll need to use both spectrums to pick out information and piece them together to identify the compound, similar to a puzzle. First, you could use the infrared spectrum to identify which functional groups are present by matching what peaks you see to the known peaks of certain functional groups. If, for example, you have propanol, you may need to identify whether it is propan-1-ol or propan-2-ol (a secondary or a primary alcohol) and you may use the mass spectrum to observe which fragments are present. The c-c bond is weaker when one carbon is bonded to the -OH group therefore for a primary alcohol you may identify fragments that could make up CH3CH2 and CH2OH, and for propan-2-ol, a fragment of CH3 and CH2OHCH2. There are certain things to generally look for in both spectrums and once you identify them you can piece the compound together. 

VM
Answered by Vania M. Chemistry tutor

2263 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Regarding the first ionisation energies, why do the values shown on the graph go down from magnesium to aluminium and then rise again from aluminium to silicon


Flask Q (volume = 1.00 x 103 cm3 ) is filled with ammonia (NH3) at 102 kPa and 300 K. Calculate the mass of ammonia in flask Q. (Gas constant R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1 )


Explain in terms of bonding and structure the properties of graphite given that it is a good conductor, soft and has a very high melting point


State the meaning of the term first ionisation energy


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning