Ionization potential:
The energy required to remove an electron from an atom or
molecule is called ionization potential. Its unit is eV. Most organic compounds have ionization
potentials ranging between 8 to 15 eV. The energy require for removing one
electron from the neutral patent molecule is usually 10 eV. However, a beam of
electrons does not produce ions with high efficiency until the beam of
electrons striking the steam of molecules has a potential of from 50 to 70
eV.
Base peak:
The most intense peak in the mass spectrum is called base
peak. Its intensity is highest and counted as 100%. The intensity of other
peaks are determined by comparing with it. Base peak appears either due to
resonance stabilization or for the formation of the ion through various common
pathways.
Instrumentation:
The instrument needed to produce the mass spectrum of a
compound consists of the following parts: -----
Ion source
Mass analyzer
Ion detector.