Molecular Formula Elucidation

An organic compound (A) is composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, with carbon constituting over 60% of the mass. It shows a molecular ion at m/z=112 amu in the mass spectrum. Answer the following questions by entering numbers in the answer boxes.

1. Write a plausible Molecular Formula for compound A:   C H N

2. How many Rings + Double Bonds must be present in compound A?

Another compound, B, composed only of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, also shows a molecular ion at m/z=112 amu.

3. Write a plausible Molecular Formula for compound B, assuming it has three double bonds and no rings.   C H O

Compound C is composed only of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and shows a molecular ion at m/z=180 amu. Carbon accounts for 60% of the molecular mass.

4. Write a plausible Molecular Formula for compound C.   C H O

5. How many Rings + Double Bonds must be present in compound C?

     
This script written by William Reusch, Dept. of Chemistry, Michigan State University. Please send comments and corrections to whreusch@pilot.msu.edu.