Topic 10C Spectra
Use this landing page to move between the three Spectra revision pages of Topic 10. Each card links to a focused page with inline checks, worked examples and exam-style FAQs.
Choose a Spectra Page
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 sheet, and then combine both with test-tube reactions to solve an unknown.
Key idea: Mass spectrum for the relative molecular mass and the pieces; infrared spectrum for the functional group; chemical tests to confirm.
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.
Start revisingInfrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy: bond vibrations, wavenumbers, characteristic absorptions of functional groups, broad O–H bands, the fingerprint region and identifying compounds.
Start revisingIdentifying Unknown Compounds
Identifying unknown organic compounds: combining the molecular ion, fragmentation, infrared absorptions and chemical tests, with a worked example.
Start revisingHow to Use These Pages
Work through mass spectra then infrared with the data sheet beside you, and finish with the identification page, which is how the exam combines them.
Exam focus: Quote every number you use: the m/z of the molecular ion, the m/z of each fragment, and the wavenumber range of each absorption from the data sheet.
Copyright notice: This revision page, including its written explanations, layout and teaching sequence, is produced for Online Learning System by Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah. It is intended for student revision and may not be copied, redistributed or republished without permission.
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