Mechanisms

Mechanisms

1. interpret fragment ion peaks in the mass spectra of simple organic compounds, eg the difference between propanal and propanone

2. deduce functional groups present in organic compounds and predict infrared absorptions, given wavenumber data, due to familiar functional groups.

   • i C–H stretching absorptions in alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes ii O–H stretching absorption in alcohols and carboxylic acids iii N–H stretching absorption in amines iv C=O stretching absorption in aldehydes and ketones v C–X stretching absorption in halogenoalkanes vi as an analytical tool to show the change in functional groups during the oxidation of an alcohol to a carbonyl

3. understanding that only molecules which change their polarity as they vibrate can absorb infrared radiation

4. understanding that H2O, CO2, CH4 and NO molecules absorb IR radiation and are greenhouse gases, whilst O2 and N2 are not.