Mass Spectrometry

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Workings of a Mass Spectrometer

The mass spectrometer is split into four stages: ionisation, acceleration, ion drift and detection.

1) Ionisation

The first step is ionisation of the sample. The main techniques are:
- Electrospray ionisation.
- Electron impact ionisation.
Electrospray ionisation is a gentler technique and prevents fragmentation.
- It’s typically used for polymers and biological materials like DNA.
- The sample is dissolved in a solvent and a high voltage is applied.
- The high voltage rips a proton off the solvent and attaches it to the sample molecules.
- The sample molecules are now positively charged ions.

1) Ionisation cont.

In electron impact ionisation, the sample is first vaporised and then hit with electrons from an electron gun.
- The electrons knock off electrons from the molecule
- The molecules are now positively charged ions.
- This method often causes the sample to fragment.

2) Acceleration

Molecules are accelerated to all have the same kinetic energy.
From standard equations, the kinetic energy is equal to half of the mass multiplied by the velocity squared:
- Kinetic energy = $\frac{1}{2}$ mv²
All the molecules have the same kinetic energy, so the speed is dependent on the mass of the molecule.
Lighter particles move faster and are detected before heavier particles.

3) Ion drift

The time of flight is given by:
- Time of flight = $\frac{distance}{velocity}$
This leads to an equation for the time travelled that depends on mass:
- Time = distance ÷ $\sqrt\frac{{2KE}}{m}$
Lighter ions take less time as the time is dependent on the square root of the mass.

4) Detection

The ions hit a negatively charged plate.
This causes a current and the size of this current gives a measure of the number of molecules hitting the plate.
This gives the abundance of the molecule.

Analysis to Identify Molecules

Once a sample has passed through the mass spectrometer, we can analyse the data to identify the molecule.

Spectrum produced

When the sample has passed through the mass spectrometer, a spectrum is produced by the spectrometer.
On this spectrum:
- The x-axis is mass/charge ratio.
- The y-axis is % abundance.

Main peak

The spectrum produces lots of peaks, but the most important is the molecular ion peak.
- This is the peak of the greatest mass/charge ratio.
This represents the mass/charge value of the molecule we are analyzing.

Isotopes

Smaller peaks will cluster around the molecular ion peak.
- These are from the same molecules but with different isotopes in them.
- The isotopic molecules have different masses and so different mass/charge ratio values.

Fragmentation

Any smaller and significantly lighter peaks in the spectrum are because of fragmentation.
- The molecule can fragment in the spectrometer.

Analysis to Calculate

Once we have the mass spectrum, we can calculate the relative atomic mass.

Relative atomic mass

Relative atomic mass is the average weighted mass of an atom relative to carbon-12.
The key word to look at here is "average".
This is because its value is calculated taking into account all of its isotopes and their relative abundances.

Using the spectrum

We can use the spectrum to view all the different isotopes and their relative abundance.
Isotopic mass is along the x-axis.
Isotopic abundance is along the y-axis.

Calculation

We can then calculate the relative atomic mass since we have all of the isotopic masses and their relative abundances.
It is easiest to show how to carry out the calculation with an example - see the next slide.

Example - boron

This is the mass spectrum of a sample of elemental boron.
Boron has two isotopes, ¹⁰B and ¹¹B.
You can see from the spectrum that approximately 20% of the boron is ¹⁰B and 80% is ¹¹B.
You can use this to work out the relative atomic mass:
- 80% × 11 + 20% × 10 = 10.8

Illustrative background for undefined ?? "content

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter

1.1.1States of Matter

1.1.2Kinetic Molecular Theory

1.1.3Simple Sphere

1.1.4Changing State

1.1.5Forces Between Particles

1.1.6Changes of State

1.1.7Predicting States

1.1.8Changing State HyperLearning

1.1.9Ionization Energy

1.2The Nuclear Atom

1.2.1Fundamental Particles

1.2.2Isotopes & Mass Number

1.2.3Mass Spectrometry

1.2.4Mass Spectrometry

1.2.5Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

1.2.6Extended Response - Mass Spectrometry

1.2.7Radioactivity

1.3Electron Configuration

1.3.1Electron Shells, Sub-Shells & Orbitals

1.3.2Electron Configuration

1.3.3Absorption & Emission Spectra

1.3.4IB Multiple Choice - Atomic Structure

1.3.5Extended Response - The Atom & Electrons

1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole

1.4.1Relative Masses

1.4.2The Mole

1.4.3IB Multiple Choice - Moles

1.5Ideal Gases

1.5.1Ideal Gas Equation

1.5.2Gas Laws

1.5.3IB Multiple Choice - Gases & Kinetics

1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

1.6.1Fundamental Particles

1.6.2Pure Substances

1.6.3Purity & The Law of Definite Proportion

1.6.4Mixtures

1.6.5Separating Mixtures

1.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Pure Substances

1.6.7Extended Response - Moles & Pure Substances

1.7States of Matter & Changes of State

1.7.1States of Matter

1.7.2Particle Diagrams

1.7.3IB Multiple Choice - Solids, Liquids, & Gases

1.7.4Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations

1.7.5Empirical & Molecular Formulas

1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes

1.8.1Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations

1.8.2Percentage Yield

1.9Solutions

1.9.1Molarity

1.9.2Particulate Model of Solutions

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

2.1The Ionic Model

2.1.1Ionic Bonding

2.2The Covalent Model

2.2.1Covalent Bonds

2.2.2Complex Ions

2.2.3Factors Affecting Covalent Bond Strength

2.2.4Polarity

2.3Covalent Structures

2.3.1Ionic Lewis Structures

2.3.2Covalent Lewis Structures

2.3.3VSEPR Theory

2.3.4Resonance Structures

2.3.5Allotropes of Carbon

2.3.6Formal Charge

2.3.7End of Topic Quiz - Bonding

2.3.8IB Multiple Choice - Bonding & Lewis Structures

2.3.9IB Multiple Choice - Resonance & Formal Charge

2.4The Metallic Model

2.4.1Metallic Bonding

2.5From Models to Materials

2.5.1Alloys

2.5.2Properties of Polymers

2.5.3Polymerisation Reactions

2.5.4Introduction to Alkenes

2.5.5Reactions of Alkenes

2.5.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkenes

2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds

2.6.1Valence Electrons & Forming Ions

2.6.2Ionic Compounds

2.6.3End of Topic Quiz - Atoms & Ions

2.6.4IB Multiple Choice - Valence & Ions

2.7Molecular Shape

2.7.1VSEPR

2.7.2Molecular Shapes

2.7.3Bond Hybridization

2.7.4IB Multiple Choice - VSEPR & Bond Hybridization

2.7.5Extended Response - Bonding & Molecular Shape

2.8Intermolecular Forces

2.8.1Introduction to Intermolecular Forces

2.8.2London Dispersion Forces

2.8.3Dipole-Dipole Interactions

2.8.4Ion-Dipole Interactions

2.8.5Hydrogen Bonding

2.8.6Large Biomolecules

2.8.7IB Multiple Choice - Intermolecular Forces

2.8.8Extended Response - Hydrogen Bonding

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.1.1The Periodic Table

3.1.2Trends in the Periodic Table

3.1.3End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity & Trends

3.1.4Periodic Trends - Electronegativity & Affinity

3.1.5End of Topic Quiz - Periodic Trends

3.1.6IB Multiple Choice - Periodic Trends

3.1.7Extended Response - Periodic Table

3.2Periodic Trends

3.2.1Atomic & Ionic Radii

3.2.2Ionisation & Electronegativity

3.2.3Metallic Behaviour & Oxides

3.2.4Period 3 Elements & Oxides

3.2.5Period 3 Oxides

3.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Period 3

3.2.7Periodic Trends: Blocks

3.2.8Redox Chemistry

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.3.1Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.4.1Introduction to Halogens

3.4.2Reactions of Halogens

3.4.3Chlorine & Chlorate(I)

3.4.4End of Topic Quiz - Group 7

3.4.5Exam-Style Question - Group 7

3.4.6End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity, Group 2 & 7

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.5.1Noble Gases

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.6.1Nomenclature

3.6.2Trends in Physical Properties

3.6.3Saturated & Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

3.6.4Nomenclature contd.

3.6.5Types of Formulas

3.6.6Isomerism

3.6.7Formulae

3.6.8Homologous Series

3.6.9Structural Isomers

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.7.1Degrees of Substitution

3.7.2Arenes

3.8Alkanes

3.8.1Alkanes

3.8.2Fractional Distillation

3.8.3Cracking

3.8.4Combustion

3.8.5Chlorination

3.8.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.9.1Production of Alcohols

3.9.2Oxidation of Alcohols

3.9.3Oxidation of Alcohols - 2

3.9.4Elimination Reactions

3.9.5End of Topic Quiz - Alcohols

3.9.6Exam-Style Question - Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

3.10.1Substitution Reactions

3.10.2Elimination Reactions

3.10.3Ozone Depletion

3.10.4End of Topic Quiz - Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

4.1.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

4.1.2Energy Diagrams

4.1.3Heat Transfer & Thermal Equilibrium

4.1.4IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy & Energy

4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law

4.2.1Enthalpy of Reaction

4.2.2Bond Enthalpies

4.2.3Enthalpy of Formation

4.2.4Hess’ Law

4.2.5Thermodynamics & Kinetic Control

4.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Thermodynamics

4.2.7IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy

4.2.8Extended Response - Enthalpy Change

4.3Entropy

4.3.1Introduction to Entropy

4.3.2Absolute Entropy & Entropy Change

4.3.3Free Energy

4.3.4Thermodynamically Favorable Reactions

4.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Entropy & Free Energy

4.3.6Extended Response - Free Energy

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

5.1Kinetics

5.1.1Collision Theory & Rates of Reaction

5.1.2Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

5.1.3Increasing Rates

5.1.4End of Topic Quiz - Kinetics

5.2Rates of Reaction

5.2.1Rate Equations

5.2.2Rate Equations 2

5.2.3The Effect of a Catalyst

5.3Stoichometry

5.3.1Stoichiometry

5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.1Introduction to Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.2Reaction Quotient & Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.3Temperature & Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.4IB Multiple Choice -Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.5Extended Response - Le Châtelier

5.5Introduction to Equilibrium

5.5.1Equilibrium & Equilibrium Graphs

5.5.2Dynamic Equilibria

5.5.3Reversible Reactions & Directions

5.6Equilibrium Constant

5.6.1Calculating the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.2Magnitude of the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.3Properties of the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.4Calculating Equilibrium Concentrations

5.6.5Representations of Equilibrium

5.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Equilibrium Constants

5.6.7Extended Response - Calculating Kc

5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant

5.7.1Reaction Quotient

5.7.2Equilibrium Constants

5.7.3Partial Pressures

5.7.4Kp

5.7.5IB Multiple Choice - Reaction Quotient & Kp

5.7.6Extended Response - Kp & Bond Enthalpy

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

6.1Proton Transfer Reactions

6.1.1Brønsted-Lowry Theory

6.2The pH Scale

6.2.1pH & pOH

6.2.2Ionic Product of Water

6.2.3Using Kw

6.2.4IB Multiple Choice - pH & Kw

6.2.5Extended Response - Kw

6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases

6.3.1Strong Acids & Bases

6.3.2Weak Acids & Ka

6.3.3Weak Bases & Kb

6.3.4Weak Acids & Bases Calculation Walkthrough

6.4Acid Deposition

6.4.1Acid Deposition

6.5Types of Organic Reactions

6.5.1Electrophilic Substitution

6.6Oxidation & Reduction

6.6.1Oxidation Number Method

6.6.2Winkler Method

6.6.3Redox Reactions

6.6.4Oxidation States & Equations

6.6.5End of Topic Quiz - Redox

6.6.6Extended Response - Redox Reactions

6.7Electrochemical Cells

6.7.1Introduction to Electrochemical Cells

6.7.2Galvanic Cells

6.7.3Cell Notation

6.7.4Electrolytic Cells

6.7.5Extended Response - Voltaic Cells & Redox

6.8Titration

6.8.1Redox Titrations

6.8.2Titration Calculations

6.8.3Atom Economy

6.9Acid-Base Titrations

6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base

6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail

6.9.3Extended Response - Titration

6.9.4Titration Calculations

6.9.5Titration Curves

6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base

6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations

6.9.8Polyprotic Acids

6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base

6.9.10Titrations Curves 2

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results

7.1.1Qualitative & Quantitative data

7.2Graphical Techniques

7.2.1Drawing & Interpreting Graphs

7.2.2Linear Interpolation

7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds

7.3.1Understanding NMR

7.3.2Carbon-13 NMR

7.3.3Hydrogen-1 NMR

7.3.4Hydrogen-1 NMR 2

7.3.5End of Topic Quiz - NMR

7.4Infrared Spectroscpy

7.4.1Infrared Spectroscopy

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