Chapter 1: Analysts Tool Box

Question 1

GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy)

Answer 1

A qualitative analysis using the gas phase of a sample to match retention times to given unknowns and mass spectra of known chemicals.

Question 2

Infrared Spectroscopy

Answer 2

A qualitative technique used to fingerprint molecules. Very simple technique anyone can use.

Question 3

UV-VIS

Answer 3

An optical method (uses light) probes electronic transitions to find how much a chemical substance absorbs light. (Beer’s Law)

Question 4

Mass Spectrometry

Answer 4

Can be qualitative or quantitative. Makes ions via electrons. Allows for library searching.

Question 5

NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)-A Rossi Favorite

Answer 5

Uses spin-spin coupling and integration (Only for H NMR) to find the structure of an organic compound. The most powerful tool to find the structure of an organic compound.

Question 6

What is the difference between spectroscopy and spectrometry?

Answer 6

Spectroscopy-Study of radiated energy and matter to determine their interaction.

Spectrometry-The application of spectroscopy so that there are quantifiable results that can be assessed.