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Multiple Choice
Pinacolone has a base peak in its mass spectrum at m/z 57. What is the structure corresponding to this mass?
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular structure of pinacolone, which is a ketone with the formula (CH3)3C-C(=O)-CH3.
Understand that the base peak in a mass spectrum represents the most stable and abundant fragment ion.
Consider the fragmentation pattern of pinacolone. The loss of a methyl group (CH3) from the tert-butyl group ((CH3)3C-) is a common fragmentation pathway.
Calculate the mass of the resulting fragment ion after the loss of a methyl group. The tert-butyl cation ((CH3)2C+) is a stable carbocation with a mass of 57 amu.
Conclude that the structure corresponding to the m/z 57 peak is the tert-butyl cation, which is a common and stable fragment in the mass spectrum of pinacolone.