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Molecular Formula Determination
Molecular Formula Determination
where:
Special attention should be paid to the IHD (DU) calculation, because impossible
IHDs (negative or fractional) can lead to the rejection of one or more possible
chemical formulas. Of course, the compound may contain other elements
besides carbon and hydrogen. To account for other elements present, the
appropriate number of carbons and hydrogens that equals the molar mass of the
desired element is subtracted from the base formula to account for the added
N2
C2H4
1
S
C2H8
2
35Cl
C2H11
3
79Br
C6H7
-3
79Br
C5H19
4
F
CH7
2
Si
C2H4
1
P
C2H7
2
I
C9H19
0
I
C10H7
7
As an example, benzamide has a mass (from mass spectrum) of 121, which is
odd. Applying the rule of thirteen results in a base formula of C9H13 (IHD = 3.5).
Since this formula has an impossible IHD (degree of unsaturation cannot be a
fraction) and the M+ is shown to have an odd mass, it is reasonable to add
nitrogen to the formula (subtracting CH2) resulting in a new formula of C8H11N
(IHD = 4). Other possible formulas (involving nitrogen and oxygen are C 6H7N3
(IHD = 5) and C7H7NO (IHD = 5). Other spectral evidence (for instance IR and
NMR data) can be very useful in identifying specific elements to include in this
analysis. Further analysis of the mass spectrum, the accurate mass, or isotope
ratio data is required to settle upon the correct formula. Benzamide has formula
C6H5CONH2) and structure:
O
NH2