Question

Use equations to show the fragmentation leading to each numbered peak in the mass spectrum of cotane-2-one.

Short answer

Fragmentation equations of octane-2-one

Step-by-step solution

Molecular ion

When high-energy electron hits an organic compound, it removes one of the electrons from the molecule and hence produces positively charged ions known as the molecular ions.

Formation of molecular ion

The molecular ion is not only acting as a cation but also as a free radical because of the presence of an odd number of electrons. Hence, it can be called as enol radical cation.

McLafferty rearrangement

The characteristic fragmentation of the molecular ion of a carbonyl compound ( ketones and aldehydes) having at least one gamma hydrogen is known as the McLafferty rearrangement.

Equations for fragmentation of octane-2-one

Fragmentation equations of