CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques: compare question

Compare5 marksStandard

The table shows data from the mass spectra of two organic compounds, A and B. The spectra were recorded using electron impact ionisation. For each compound, the molecular ion (M+) peak and the [M+1]+ and [M+2]+ peaks are given with their relative abundances.

Compoundm/e of M+Relative abundance of M+ / %m/e of [M+1]+Relative abundance of [M+1]+ / %m/e of [M+2]+Relative abundance of [M+2]+ / %
A1221001238.81240.5
B1241001259.912633.0

Compare the mass spectra of compounds A and B. In your answer, include:

  • the molecular masses of A and B
  • a comparison of the number of carbon atoms in A and B, explaining how the [M+1]+ peak data supports your conclusion
  • a comparison of the presence of halogen atoms (bromine and/or chlorine) in A and B, explaining how the [M+2]+ peak data supports your conclusion.
0 words · 5 marks

No account needed for your first marks. Your answer is used only to mark it.

How this question is marked

5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Compare means: Give similarities or differences between two things, and say which side each point belongs to. Write each point as a pair, for example: A is X, whereas B is Y. Two separate descriptions rarely earn the marks.

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