Gas Spectometry (Lab Report Sample)

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry lab report
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Abstract
The experiment that was being performed was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The aim of this experiment was to establish the retention time of unknown bases, where a GC trace and MS spectrum were obtained.
Introduction
Mass spectrometry is a method of analysis used to confirm the existence of chemical species and measure the characteristics of each cell in those species. A mass spectrometer can produce ions from different types of chemicals in the form of gases and then classify them according to their average charging weight, and then record their relative mass using a variety of external camps. This data from a mass spectrometer is known as the mass spectrum, which is a graph of charging weight ratio and related quantities.
Procedure
A print out with the mass spectra of the two unknown compounds was availed. The next step was to perform an analysis of the spectra. The highest peak together with the base peak of the spectra was given the most attention. The spectra already had the molecular ion highlighted so it became easier to identify the compounds being displayed in the spectra reading. The compounds were then identified from the fragmentation patterns. Structures were then built as a representation of how the compounds within the machine fragmented, so as to give the readings that the spectra provided.
Results
After evaluating the mass spectra provided, it was concluded that 2- butanone and 2- heptanone were the molecules from the given readings. Each compound was identified by paying attention to base peaks within the spectrum readings. Molecular ion mass also helped in identifying the two compounds. The fact that the first compound had a lower boiling point than the second was also assisted in identifying the compounds correctly.
Discussion
The first compound was identified by looking at the molecular ion peak which was around 72m/z. After identification of the compound as 2-butanone, a close reading was done on the second mass spectrum. The molecular ion peak was located at around 114m/z. This was an indication of a full compound within any actual fragmentation. The molecular ion peak did not have any small peaks, an i