The diagrams on the next page show details for the infrared spectrum and the mass spectrum for compound Y:
A table of characteristic absorptions for some different bonds is given below:
By considering the infrared spectrum, explain why compound Y may be an aldehyde or a ketone but not a carboxylic acid.
For compound Y to be a carboxylic acid it would have to satisfy the criteria of peaks for the C-O, C=O and O-H bonds as shown on the graph at different absorption wavelengths corresponding to frequencies of infrared waves.
From the mass spectrum, deduce the relative molecular mass of Y and suggest a likely structure corresponding to the peak at m/e = 43
Devise a simple chemical test and carry it out to find out if a compound X is a carboxylic acid.
Use the information you have obtained from the other parts of this question to deduce structural formulae for compounds X and Y and give their systematic names.
Structure of compound X:
Systematic name for compound X: Propanal
Structure for compound Y:
Systematic name for compound Y: Propanone
Organic observation exercise - II 27/04/2007
