Why is mass spectroscopy useful in chemistry?

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique primarily used to determine the molecular mass and structure of compounds, especially organic molecules. Through the process of ionization, the mass spectrometer generates ions from the sample and then separates these ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. By analyzing the resulting mass spectrum, chemists can infer valuable information about the molecular structure, including the molecular formula, fragmentation patterns, and isotopic composition.

Determining the molecular structure is essential for understanding the composition and behavior of organic compounds, facilitating advancements in various fields like pharmacology, biochemistry, and materials science. The ability to identify not only the molecular weight but also how the compound might break apart (fragment) under ionization gives researchers important insights into the functional groups and the arrangement of atoms within the molecule.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary capabilities of mass spectrometry, as they pertain to different analytical methods or scopes.