Final answer:
Sources of error in identifying unknown compounds can include challenges in isolation and purification, effects of isotope blends, instrumental inaccuracies, variability in material thermal properties, and errors in deducing empirical or molecular formulas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possible sources of error that could have complicated the proper identification of unknown compounds include a range of factors. Inaccuracies could arise from the complexity of isolation and purification of compounds, particularly those derived from natural sources, which tend to have diverse and intricate structures. Additionally, the presence of isotope blends can affect the mass spectrum analysis, complicating the identification process. Instrumental errors, such as those in mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI-TOF) used for phenotypic identification of microorganisms, can similarly lead to incorrect results. Variability in thermal properties among different materials can influence the stability and reactivity of compounds under varying temperatures. Lastly, synthesis adjustments in natural product development and potential error in determining the exact empirical or molecular formula from elemental analysis could significantly affect the outcome.