Solution Found!
Answer: A compound containing only C, H, and Cl was
Chapter 3, Problem 3.131(choose chapter or problem)
A compound containing only C, H, and Cl was examined in a mass spectrometer. The highest mass peak seen corresponds to an ion mass of 52 amu. The most abundant mass peak seen corresponds to an ion mass of 50 amu and is about three times as intense as the peak at 52 amu. Deduce a reasonable molecular formula for the compound and explain the positions and intensities of the mass peaks mentioned. (Hint: Chlorine is the only element that has isotopes in comparable abundances: 35 17Cl: 75.5 percent; 35 17Cl: 24.5 percent. For H, use 1 1H; for C, use 12 1C.)
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
A compound containing only C, H, and Cl was examined in a mass spectrometer. The highest mass peak seen corresponds to an ion mass of 52 amu. The most abundant mass peak seen corresponds to an ion mass of 50 amu and is about three times as intense as the peak at 52 amu. Deduce a reasonable molecular formula for the compound and explain the positions and intensities of the mass peaks mentioned. (Hint: Chlorine is the only element that has isotopes in comparable abundances: 35 17Cl: 75.5 percent; 35 17Cl: 24.5 percent. For H, use 1 1H; for C, use 12 1C.)
ANSWER:Step 1 of 3
Let’s write the natural abundance of the elements.