Which of the following is expected to be the base peak in the mass spectrum of CH₃CH₂NH₂?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The base peak in a mass spectrum is typically the most intense peak, and it represents the fragment ion that is most likely to be formed in the ionization process. In this molecule, the most likely fragment ions are those that contain the most stable functional groups. The molecule contains several nitrogen and sulfur atoms, which are both common sites of fragmentation. Fragmentation of the molecule may lead to the loss of one or more nitrogen or sulfur atoms, resulting in a smaller and more stable fragment ion. The molecular weight of the molecule is 430, so one possible fragmentation pathway could be loss of a CH2 group and a nitrogen atom, resulting in a fragment ion with a molecular weight of 400. This would correspond to a base peak at m/z 30, which is the correct answer.

Which of the Following Is Expected to Be the Base