Beginners Guide to Mass Spectral Interpretation - Tapa dura

Mass spectrometry is one of the few techniques by which an organic compound can be uniquely identified. This book is dedicated to the interpretation of mass spectra of organic compounds at a level appropriate to undergraduates and graduates. It is organized into chapters of organic compounds. Consequently it is very much a compound-related approach to interpretation of mass spectra. The book is written at a level suitable for 2nd/3rd year undergraduates and offers a functional group approach to mass spectral interpretation with each chapter dedicated to different class of organic compound, providing structure, clarity and ease of reference. Containing over 120 representative spectra, it is in a easy-to-read style which should appeal to persons new to this particular discipline.

This book, the first to be dedicated solely to interpretation of electron impact mass spectra, is a logical, step-by-step guide to identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry. The book is organized into chapters covering the major types of organic compounds, including alcohols, acids and esters, aldehydes and ketones, ethers, hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds, amines and amides, and sulfur-containing compounds. In each chapter, the mechanisms of the major fragmentation pathways are discussed, with reference to several simple sample compounds. By teaching the user to recognize typical fragmentations, the book removes the need to search databases, often limited, of electronic spectra. Key features of the book include:

• 200 representative spectra of common organic compounds
• Functional group approach to mass spectra interpretation
• Appendix of ?unknown? spectra with step-by-step guide to identification

This book is a must for anyone who needs to identify organic molecules by mass spectrometry but does not need to know the detailed workings of a mass spectrometer.