Interpreting Mass Spectrometry Data

🧬 Interpreting Mass Spectrometry Data

📊 Big Idea: The x-axis = mass/charge (m/z), the y-axis = relative abundance. The tallest peak = base peak.

🧠 M+ peak = molecular ion = entire molecule’s mass. Look for patterns and isotopes!

🔍 How to Analyze a Spectrum

• Highest m/z peak = M⁺ = molecular weight
• Smaller peaks = fragments → tell you structure
• Relative heights show abundance of each fragment
• Isotope patterns (like Cl or Br) show up as twin peaks

🧠 Quick Example

If the base peak is at m/z = 43 and the M⁺ is at 58, what’s happening?

⚡ Pro Tip

Carbon-13 or chlorine (Cl-35/Cl-37) show up as additional peaks. Use them to spot formulas or halogens!

🔎 Practice Insight

You see a molecular ion peak at m/z = 78 and another at 77. What might that mean?

✏️ Mass Spec: Base peak = most abundant. M⁺ = full mass. Gaps = fragments. Look for the pattern!