Mass spectroscopy determining molecular formulas with

Today, a number of different instrumental techniques are used to identify organic compounds. These techniques can be performed quickly on small amounts of a compound and can provide much more information about the compound s structure than simple chemical tests can provide. We have already discussed one such technique ultraviolet/visible (UVA/is) spectroscopy, which provides information about organic compounds with conjugated double bonds. In this chapter, we will look at two more instrumental techniques mass spectrometry and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Mass spectrometry allows us to determine the molecular mass and the molecular formula of a compound, as well as certain structural features of the compound. Infrared spectroscopy allows us to determine the kinds of functional groups a compound has. In the next chapter, we will look at nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which provides information about the carbon-hydrogen framework of a compound. Of these instrumental techniques, mass spectrometry is the only one that does not involve electromagnetic radiation. Thus, it is called spectrometry, whereas the others are called spectroscopy. 

Alkaloids are significant source of pharmaceutical drugs. More than 12,000-alkaloids are known to exist in green flora and only few have been exploited for medicinal purpose. With the help of scientific procedures like chromatography and mass spectroscopy it is now possible to determine the molecular formulas and chemical structures of active constituents of medicinal herbs. 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry is used for many types of analytical work but is key in the elucidation of structures of chemical compounds. When used in conjunction with mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, the three techniques make it possible to determine the complete structures of novel compounds. Mass spectrometry is used to determine the size of a molecule and its molecular formula and infrared spectroscopy help identify the functional groups present in a molecule. NMR spectroscopy is used to determine the carbon-hydrogen framework of a molecule and works with even the most complex molecules. NMR is now being used to elucidate complicated protein structures ... 

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