AeroLab Reading room

CHEM / A2 level

Spectroscopy, chromatography and planning

NMR chemical shifts, integration and splitting constrain hydrogen environments; infrared and mass spectra add complementary evidence. Chromatography separates species by their interactions with two phases.

Learning objectives

The big idea

NMR chemical shifts, integration and splitting constrain hydrogen environments; infrared and mass spectra add complementary evidence. Chromatography separates species by their interactions with two phases.

Planning links an answerable question to controlled measurements, calibration and analysis. Combine spectral clues with the molecular formula, assess uncertainty and propose specific improvements; use supplied data when hazardous work would otherwise be required.

Equations and relationships

Rf = distance moved by substance / distance moved by solvent front

Distances use the same starting baseline and units.

Worked example

A spot moves 3.0 cm and solvent front 6.0 cm. Find Rf.

Follow the solution

Rf=3.0/6.0=0.50, a dimensionless ratio.

Investigate and explain

Predict the worked result before calculating. Change one input, record the new result, and explain which assumptions still hold.

Use the evidence activity below; no exact PhET model is claimed.

Open the interactive investigation

Check your understanding

1. What does proton NMR integration primarily indicate?

  1. Exact molecular mass
  2. Relative numbers of contributing protons
  3. Number of neutrons
Check the answer and reasoning

Relative numbers of contributing protons

Peak areas compare populations of protons in different environments.

2. A spot moves 3.0 cm and solvent front 6.0 cm. Find Rf.

  1. 2.0
  2. 3.0 cm
  3. 0.50
Check the answer and reasoning

0.50

Rf=3.0/6.0=0.50, a dimensionless ratio.

3. May Rf values from different solvents be compared as fixed constants?

  1. No
  2. Yes
  3. Only if both are coloured
Check the answer and reasoning

No

Rf depends on the stationary phase, solvent and conditions, so comparisons require matching methods.