0 0
Home Revision Notes Free Quiz Courses Teachers Blog My Account Cart
Edexcel A Level Chemistry

Topic 7
Modern
Analytical
Techniques I

Topic 7 introduces instrumental analysis through mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. Students use spectra to identify molecular ions, fragmentation patterns and functional groups in organic compounds.

Exam Papers
Paper 2
9CH0/02
Specification Points
7.1 – 7.2
2 points covered
Topic Parts
2 parts
Revision notes available
Exam Board
Edexcel
Pearson 9CH0
Evidence to structure
Identifying
Unknowns
MS + IR + tests
3

Identifying Unknown Compounds

Combining mass spectra, infrared spectra and test-tube reactions to deduce the structure of an unknown, with a worked example.

Start revising

Revision Notes

Work through each part of Edexcel Topic 7 in a structured sequence.

m/z data
Mass
Spectrometry
molecular ions and fragments
1

Mass Spectrometry

Using molecular ion peaks and fragmentation patterns to suggest possible structures of organic compounds.

Start revising
IR spectra
Infrared
Spectroscopy
bonds and functional groups
2

Infrared Spectroscopy

Using infrared absorptions to identify functional groups, including C-H, C=C, O-H, C=O and N-H bonds.

Start revising

Summary map

Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.

Summary map · PDF

Spectra Summary Map

Edexcel A Level Chemistry · Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques I

The whole topic on one A4 page: the molecular ion, the M+1 peak, fragmentation, infrared absorption, reading IR spectra and Core Practical 7, with worked examples.

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

© 2026 Online Learning System. For personal study: printing is allowed; editing, copying and redistribution are not.

Specification Coverage

Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques I – Edexcel A Level Chemistry

The following specification points outline the knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate for Topic 7.

7A: Mass spectrometry

7.1
be able to use data from a mass spectrometer to:
i
determine the relative molecular mass of an organic compound from the molecular ion peak
ii
suggest possible structures of a simple organic compound from the m/z of the molecular ion and fragmentation patterns

7B: Infrared, IR, spectroscopy

7.2
be able to use data from infrared spectra to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds and to predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups, including:
i
C-H stretching absorption in alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes
ii
C=C stretching absorption in alkenes
iii
O-H stretching absorption in alcohols
iv
C=O stretching absorption in aldehydes and ketones
v
C=O stretching absorption and the broad O-H stretching absorption in carboxylic acids
vi
N-H stretching absorption in amines
CP7
Core Practical 7: Analysis of some inorganic and organic unknowns
Specification Coverage

Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques I – Edexcel A Level Chemistry

The following specification points outline the knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate for Topic 7.

7A: Mass spectrometry

7.1
be able to use data from a mass spectrometer to:
i
determine the relative molecular mass of an organic compound from the molecular ion peak
ii
suggest possible structures of a simple organic compound from the m/z of the molecular ion and fragmentation patterns

7B: Infrared, IR, spectroscopy

7.2
be able to use data from infrared spectra to deduce functional groups present in organic compounds and to predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups, including:
i
C-H stretching absorption in alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes
ii
C=C stretching absorption in alkenes
iii
O-H stretching absorption in alcohols
iv
C=O stretching absorption in aldehydes and ketones
v
C=O stretching absorption and the broad O-H stretching absorption in carboxylic acids
vi
N-H stretching absorption in amines
CP7
Core Practical 7: Analysis of some inorganic and organic unknowns