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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper II covers organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2024 · Paper II

Q8(c)(ii). Fragmentation of diethyl ether

Question

The mass spectral data of diethyl ether are: m/z 74, 59, 45, 31, 29. Explain the fragmentation pattern.

Answer in brief

74 is M⁺·; 59 comes from α-cleavage (loss of ·CH₃) and 31 from 59 by loss of ethene; 45 is CH₃CH=OH⁺; 29 is the ethyl cation.

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Coversmass spectrometrydiethyl etherα-cleavageoxonium ionfragmentation pattern