3.3.6
Organic Analysis
Section 3.3.6 covers the identification of functional groups by test-tube reactions, mass spectrometry including the use of precise masses from high-resolution spectra to find a molecular formula, and infrared spectroscopy: characteristic absorptions, fingerprinting, the identification of bonds, functional groups and impurities, and the link between infrared absorption by carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour and global warming.
Revision Notes
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Mass Spectra of Organic Compounds
Mass spectra of organic compounds: molecular ion, m/z, fragmentation patterns, common fragments, M+2 peaks for chlorine and bromine.
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Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy: bond vibrations, wavenumbers, characteristic absorptions of functional groups, broad O–H bands, the fingerprint region and identifying compounds.
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Identifying Unknown Compounds
Identifying unknown organic compounds: combining the molecular ion, fragmentation, infrared absorptions and chemical tests, with a worked example.
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Analysis Summary Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.3.6 Organic analysis
The whole section on one A4 page: the molecular ion, precise masses, greenhouse gases, infrared absorption, reading IR spectra and Required Practicals 4 and 6, with worked examples.
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3.3.6.1
3.3.6.2
- ii
use precise atomic masses and the precise molecular mass to determine the molecular formula of a compound
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3.3.6.3
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