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Edexcel International A Level Chemistry

Topic 10C
Spectra

Spectra let a compound be identified without touching it. These pages read the molecular ion and fragment ions of a mass spectrum, match infrared absorptions to bonds using the Data Booklet, and then combine both with test-tube reactions to solve an unknown.

Exam Unit
Unit 2
WCH12/01 – IAS
Specification Points
10.21 – 10.23
3 points covered
Sub-topics
3 lessons
Revision notes available
Exam Board
Edexcel IAL
Pearson International

Revision Notes

3 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.

Summary Map

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Summary map

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Spectra Summary Map

Edexcel International A Level Chemistry · Unit 2 · Topic 10D Mass Spectra and Infrared

The whole section on one A4 page: the molecular ion, the M+1 peak, fragmentation, infrared absorption, reading IR spectra and Core Practical 8, with worked examples.

Download the map6 key ideas + a data table · A4 portrait · print ready

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Specification

Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.

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10.21

  1. a

    be able to interpret data from mass spectra to suggest possible structures of simple organic compounds using the m/z of the molecular ion

    Revise
  2. b

    be able to interpret data from mass spectra to suggest possible structures of simple organic compounds using fragmentation patterns

    Revise

10.22

  1. i

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: C–H stretching absorptions in alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes

    Revise
  2. ii

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: C=C stretching absorption in alkenes

    Revise
  3. iii

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: O–H stretching absorptions in alcohols and carboxylic acids

    Revise
  4. iv

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: C=O stretching absorptions in aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids

    Revise
  5. v

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: C–X stretching absorption in halogenoalkanes

    Revise
  6. vi

    be able to use infrared spectra, or data from infrared spectra, to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds, and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups including: N-H stretching absorption in amines

    Revise

10.23

  1. 10.23

    CORE PRACTICAL 8 Analysis of some inorganic and organic unknowns.

    Revise