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Transpector XPR 3+ Operating Manual
4.1.1.4 A Qualitative Interpretation Guide
To use a partial pressure analyzer to identify unknown substances, you must
recognize three characteristics: fragmentation patterns, multiply charged ions, and
isotope ratios. Simple spectra are, in general, relatively easy to interpret and will
yield useful identifications. The analysis of complicated mixtures of substances is
much more difficult.
is intended as a spectrum interpretation guide which may be of use when
first examining an unknown spectrum. The guide lists the masses of peaks,
possible ion identities for each of these masses, and common sources for each of
these ions.
NOTE:
This list is by no means all-inclusive.
Table 4-3 Spectrum Interpretation Guide
Spectrum Interpretation Guide
AMU #
Chemical Symbol
Sources
1
H
Water F or Hydrogen F
2
H
2
, D
Hydrogen, Deuterium (
2
H)
3
HD,
3
H
Hydrogen-Deuterium, Tritium (
3
H)
4
He
Helium
5
No known elements
6
C
Doubly Ionized
12
C (Rare)
7
N
DI
14
N (Rare)
8
O
DI
16
O (Rare)
9
No known elements
10
Ne,
10
B
DI
20
Ne (Rare), BF
3
, BCl
3
11
Ne,
11
B
DI
22
Ne (Rare),
11
BF
3
, BCl
3
12
C
Carbon, Carbon Monoxide F, Carbon Dioxide F
13
CH,
13
C
Methane F, Carbon Isotope
14
N, CH
2
Nitrogen, Methane F or Note 1
15
CH
3
Methane F or Note 1
16
O, CH
4
, NH
2
Oxygen or Carbon Monoxide F, Ammonia
17
OH, NH
3
Water F, Ammonia F
18
H
2
O
Water
19
F
Fluorine or Freon F
20
Ar
2+
, Ne, HF
Argon Dl, Neon, Hydrofluoric Acid