A real-world guide to interpreting mass spectral data Although modern hardware and software systems have taken most of the "grunt work" out of mass spectrometry, even the most sophisticated automated systems have their limitations. For this reason, it is critical that mass spectrometrists possess the interpretative skills needed to avoid false positive identifications, overlooked unknowns, and missed research opportunities. This book provides them with a straightforward way to acquire those skills. Drawing upon his many years as a forensic chemist and an instructor of mass spectral interpretation, R. Martin Smith combines coverage of the principles underlying mass spectral analysis with clear guidelines on how to apply them in a laboratory setting. Writing from the perspective of a professional analytical chemist-but at a level accessible to chemistry undergraduates-he approaches the subject within the context of several key unifying concepts from organic and physical chemistry, including the roles of molecular orbitals in the ionization process and "electron pushing" for rationalizing reaction mechanisms. Discussions of instrumentation are the result of a collaboration with Kenneth L. Busch, a recognized expert in mass spectrometry, who served as technical editor for the book. Designed to serve equally well as a professional tutorial or an advanced textbook, Understanding Mass Spectra features: * A detailed overview of theory and instrumentation * Step-by-step descriptions of interpretative strategies * Many fascinating real-world case studies and examples * Skill-building problems with clearly explained answers * Easy-to-follow explanations of all important mathematical derivations * Convenient lists and tables detailing information needed to solve unknowns