Question

A mass spectrum shows significant peaks at m/z = 87, 115, 140, and 143. Which of the following compounds is responsible for that mass spectrum?

Short answer

The compound is

Step-by-step solution

Mass spectrometry

It is defined as the method to identify the molecular mass of the compound by the charge to mass ratio or by the molecular ion peak production. After getting the molecular formula we can find the degree of unsaturation and determine the possible structure of the compound.

Mass spectra are shown by compound

The molecular weight of each alcohol is 158 and the mass to charge ratio peak is at 140 due to loss of water and each alcohol show such peaks.

The peak is produced due to a mass to charge ratio of 87,115,144 are due to the loss of group with five carbon $C_5{H}_{11}$and methyl group.

But in 2,4,4-trimethyl 4-heptanol losses, all three groups via all have cleavage leading to no mass spectrometry absorption.