8.4 Group/Class Series

Some structural features (functional groups) correlate with certain ions or groups of ions in the mass spectrum. For instance, the m/z 77, 65 pair is often observed in the spectrum of molecules containing a phenyl ring.

• Several class series are tabulated in McLafferty, F.W. Interpretation of Mass Spectra.
• Common class reactions should be studied to aid correlation of spectra to structure. This is very important for identifications.