Fragmentation

Breakdown of the molecular ion into smaller charged and neutral pieces. The fragmentation pattern is the chemical fingerprint that identifies the compound.

Explained in

Mass Spectroscopy: Principles, Instrumentation and Forensic Applications

Related terms

Base peak EI (Electron Ionisation)ESI (Electrospray Ionisation)MALDI Molecular ion (M+)m/z (mass-to-charge ratio)Nitrogen rule TOF (Time-of-Flight)

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