The mass spectrum of an alkane is shown - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 21 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 21
The mass spectrum of an alkane is shown.
Use the information provided to identify the alkane and justify your choice.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The mass spectrum of an alkane is shown - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 21 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the alkane
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Answer
The alkane is propane. This can be determined from the mass spectrum as the parent ion has a molecular mass of 44.
Step 2
Justify your choice
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Answer
The molecular mass of 44 is consistent with propane (C₃H₈), as the formula for alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n = 3 leads to a molecular formula of C₃H₈. This matches the peak observed in the spectrum.
