Questions: Select all that apply The molecular ion produced when an organic molecule is bombarded by a high-energy stream of electrons Select all that apply. shares the molecular mass of the compound is a radical cation is likely to fragment once formed is negatively charged is highly stable

Select all that apply
The molecular ion produced when an organic molecule is bombarded by a high-energy stream of electrons Select all that apply.
shares the molecular mass of the compound
is a radical cation
is likely to fragment once formed
is negatively charged
is highly stable

Transcript text: Select all that apply The molecular ion produced when an organic molecule is bombarded by a high-energy stream of electrons ___ Select all that apply. shares the molecular mass of the compound is a radical cation is likely to fragment once formed is negatively charged is highly stable

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Molecular Ion in Mass Spectrometry

In mass spectrometry, when an organic molecule is bombarded by a high-energy stream of electrons, it typically loses an electron, forming a molecular ion. This ion is crucial for determining the molecular mass of the compound.

Step 2: Characteristics of the Molecular Ion

Shares the molecular mass of the compound: The molecular ion is essentially the original molecule minus one electron, so it retains the molecular mass of the compound.
Is a radical cation: The loss of an electron results in a positively charged ion with an unpaired electron, making it a radical cation.
Is likely to fragment once formed: The molecular ion is often unstable and can fragment into smaller ions, which are detected in the mass spectrometer.

Step 3: Evaluating Incorrect Options

Is negatively charged: The molecular ion is positively charged due to the loss of an electron, not negatively charged.
Is highly stable: The molecular ion is generally unstable, which is why it tends to fragment.