Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of 3-[4-bis-N,N-(2- chloroethyl)aminophenyl]acetates of estrane series

Collision-induced fragmentation of the [M + Na](+) and [M + H](+) ions generated from 3-[4-bis-N,N-(2-chloroethyl)aminophenyl]acetates in the estrane series under electrospray/ionization was studied. Some regularities in fragmentation pathways depending on the nature of functional groups were established. Formation of the [(M + Na) NaCl](+) ions along with [(M + Na) HCl](+) ions from the [M + Na](+) ions was explained using quantum chemical calculations for some simplified models.     

Tandem mass spectra of transition-metal ion adducts of glycosyl dithioacetals; distinction among stereoisomers

Electrospray ionization mass spectra of some glycosyl dithioacetals recorded in the presence of transition-metal chlorides, XCl2 (where X = Co, Mn and Zn), give abundant adduct ions such as [M+XCl]+ and [2M-H+X]+ and minor ions such as [M-H+X]+ and [2M+XCl]+. The tandem mass spectra of these adducts show characteristic elimination of neutral molecules such as H2O, HCl, EtSH, CH2O, C2H4O2/C2H4O. [M+XCl]+ ions fragment readily and the fragmentation appears to be stereochemically controlled as the relative abundances of the fragments are different for three stereoisomers. The added metal is lost as neutral molecules in the form of XCl(OH) and XCl(SEt). This is a predominant pathway in the ZnCl+ adducts. [2M+XCl]+ ions fragment preferentially by elimination of HCl, indicating strong metal interactions in the resulting dimeric [2M-H+X]+ ion. As there are several electron-rich centers in the molecule, the dimeric complex [2M-H+X]+ can have several structures and the observed fragmentations may reflect the sum of those of all these structures. The dimeric complexes fragment by elimination of neutral molecules leaving the dimeric interactions intact. The extent of fragmentation varies for the stereoisomers, leading to stereochemical differentiation.     

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of ginsenosides

Ginsenosides R(b1), R(b2), R(c), R(d), R(e), R(f), R(g1), R(g2) and F(11) were studied systematically by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive- and negative-ion modes with a mobile-phase additive, ammonium acetate. In general, ion sensitivities for the ginsenosides were greater in the negative-ion mode, but more structural information on the ginsenosides was obtained in the positive-ion mode. [M + H](+), [M + NH(4)](+), [M + Na](+) and [M + K](+) ions were observed for all of the ginsenosides studied, with the exception of R(f) and F(11), for which [M + NH(4)](+) ions were not observed. The signal intensities of [M + H](+), [M + NH(4)](+), [M + Na](+) and [M + K](+) ions varied with the cone voltage. The highest signal intensities for [M + H](+) and [M + NH(4)](+) ions were obtained at low cone voltage (15-30 V), whereas those for [M + Na](+) and [M + K](+) ions were obtained at relatively high cone voltage (70-90 V). Collision-induced dissociation yielded characteristic positively charged fragment ions at m/z 407, 425 and 443 for (20S)-protopanaxadiol, m/z 405, 423 and 441 for (20S)-protopanaxatriol and m/z 421, 439, 457 and 475 for (24R)-pseudoginsenoside F(11). Ginsenoside types were identified by these characteristic ions and the charged saccharide groups. Glycosidic bond cleavage and elimination of H(2)O were the two major fragmentation pathways observed in the product ion mass spectra of [M + H](+) and [M + NH(4)](+). In the product ion mass spectra of [M - H](-), the major fragmentation route observed was glycosidic bond cleavage. Adduct ions [M + 2AcO + Na](-), [M + AcO](-), [M - CH(2)O + AcO](-), [M + 2AcO](2-), [M - H + AcO](2-) and [M - 2H](2-) were observed at low cone voltage (15-30 V) only.     

Structural characterization of glycoporphyrins by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Porphyrin derivatives having a galactose or a bis(isopropylidene)galactose structural unit, linked by ester or ether bonds, were characterized by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS/MS). The electrospray mass spectra of these glycoporphyrins show the corresponding [M + H](+) ions. For the glycoporphyrins with pyridyl substituents and those having a tetrafluorophenyl spacer, the doubly charged ions [M + 2H](2+) were also observed in ES-MS with high relative abundance. The fragmentation of both [M + H](+) and [M + 2H](2+) ions exhibited common fragmentation pathways for porphyrins with the same sugar residue, independently of the porphyrin structural unit and type of linkage. ES-MS/MS of the [M + H](+) ions of the galactose-substituted porphyrins gave the fragment ions [M + H - C(2)H(4)O(2)](+), [M + H - C(3)H(6)O(3)](+), [M + H - C(4)H(8)O(4)](+) and [M + H - galactose residue](+). The fragmentation of the [M + 2H](2+) ions of the porphyrins with galactose shows the common doubly charged fragment ions [porphyrin + H](2+), [M + 2H - C(2)H(4)O(2)](2+), [M + 2H - C(4)H(8)O(4)](2+), [M + 2H - galactose residue](2+) and the singly charged fragment ions [M + H - C(3)H(6)O(3)](+) and [M + H - galactose residue](+). The fragmentation of the [M + H](+) ions of glycoporphyrins with a protected galactosyl residue leads mainly to the ions [M + H - CO(CH(3))(2)](+), [M + H - 2CO(CH(3))(2)](+), [M + H - 2CO(CH(3))(2) - CO](+), [M + H - C(10)H(16)O(4)](+) and [M + H - protected galactose](+). The doubly charged ions [M + 2H](2+) fragment to give the doubly charged ions [porphyrin + H](2+) and the singly charged ions [M + H - protected galactose residue](+) and [M + H - CO(CH(3))(2)](+). For the porphyrins where the sugar structural unit is linked by an ester bond, [M + 2H](2+), ES-MS/MS showed a major and typical fragmentation corresponding to combined loss of a sugar structural unit and further loss of water, leading to the ion [M + 2H - sugar residue - H(2)O](2+), independently of the structure of the sugar structural unit. These results show that ES-MS/MS can be a powerful tool for the characterization of the sugar structural unit of glycoporphyrins, without the need for chemical hydrolysis.     

Mass spectrometric studies on pyridine-piperazine-containing ligands and their complexes with transition metals formed in solution

Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) methods were used to study open-chain piperazine-containing ligands (L) and their complexes formed with transition-metal salts. ESI and MALDI measurements were performed with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) and a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, respectively. Only singly charged complexes, between one ligand and one or several metal ions, were formed in the ESI measurements. Because the net charge was always one, one or several counterions were attached to the complex. Under ESI conditions, the complexes formed between the ligands and metal (Co, Ni, Cu, and Cd) salts were [L + M + X](+), [L + H + M + X(2)](+) and [L + M(2) + X(3)](+) (M = metal ion, X = counterion). In collision induced dissociation reactions the [L + H + M + X(2)](+) complexes easily eliminated one proton and one counterion. Fragmentation pathways were more dependent on the metal ion than the ligand, and elimination of the second counterion occurred with one proton from copper and nickel complexes and with one proton and one hydrogen from cobalt complexes. Differences in the fragmentation of the complexes could be due to electronic configuration of the metal ion. In the MALDI measurements the ratio between the [L + H](+) and [L - H](+) ions varied with the matrix. Fragmentation of the ligands through elimination of 2-methylpyridine end groups occurred with the aromatic matrices containing carboxylic acid and hydroxyl substituents. Ionization of the complexes was not successful with MALDI as the matrix molecules were also attached to the complexes.     

Collision-induced dissociation of MCl(+) adducts (M = Mg, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni and Cu) and Cu(+) and Ag(+) adducts of dithioalkyl ketene acetals

Electrospray ionization mass spectra of equimolar solutions of dithioalkyl ketene acetals 1 and 2 and metal chlorides (MgCl(2), MnCl(2), ZnCl(2), CoCl(2), NiCl(2) and CuCl(2)) produced abundant ligated metal ion adducts [1 + MCl](+) and [2 + MCl](+). In addition, CuCl(2) also gave rise to Cu(+) adducts. The ligated metal ion adducts upon collision-induced dissociation (CID) showed characteristic fragmentation pathways reflecting the favoured site of coordination. The results show that MgCl(+) prefers oxygen over sulfur, whereas the reverse is true for ZnCl(+) adducts, exemplified by the preferred fragmentation of [1 + MgCl](+) as elimination of MgCl(OH), while that of [1 + ZnCl](+) is expulsion of ZnCl(SCH(3)). Co and Ni chloride adducts tend to give stable metal coordinated species. Cleavage of the dithiolane ring followed by elimination of C(2)H(4)S is the preferred pathway during the CID of [2 + MCl](+) adducts. The CuCl(+) adducts of 1 and 2 showed reduction of Cu((I)) to Cu((0)) resulting in the M(+)(*)ions of 1 and 2. Abstraction of *CH(3) resulting in elimination of CuCH(3) was observed during CID of Cu(+) adducts of 1 and 2. A comparative study of the corresponding Ag(+) adducts revealed a similar behaviour.     

Electrospray ionization/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometric studies on phosphatidylcholines: the fragmentation processes

We applied low-energy collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry to study the fragmentation pathways of the [M + H](+) and [M + Li](+) ions of phosphatidylcholine (PC), generated by electrospray ionization (ESI). It is revealed that the fragmentation pathways leading to loss of the polar head group and of the fatty acid substituents do not involve the hydrogens attached to the glycerol backbone as previously reported. The pathway for formation of the major ion of m/z 184 by loss of the polar head group from the [M + H](+) precursor of a diacyl PC involves the participation of the alpha-hydrogen of the fatty acyl substituents, whereas the H(+) participates in the loss of fatty acid moieties. The alpha-hydrogens of the fatty acid substituents also participate in the major fragmentation processes, including formation of [M + Li-R(x)CO(2)H](+) and [M + Li-59-R(x)CO(2)H](+) ions for the [M + Li](+) ions of diacyl PCs, when subjected to low-energy CAD. These fragmentation processes are deterred by substitution of the fatty acyl moieties with alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyl groups and consequentially, result in a distinct product-ion spectrum for various PC, including diacyl-, plasmanyl- plasmenyl-, and lyso-PC isomers. The alpha-hydrogens of the fatty acyl substituents at sn-2 are more labile than those at sn-1. This is reflected by the preferential loss of the R(1)CO(2)H over the R(2)CO(2)H observed for the [M + Li](+) ions of diacyl PCs. The spectrum features resulting from the preferential losses permit identification and assignment of the fatty acid moieties in the glycerol backbone. The new fragmentation pathways established by tandem and source CAD tandem mass spectra of various PC molecules, including deuterium-labeling analogs, were proposed. These pathways would clarify the mechanisms underlying the ion formations that lead to the structural characterization of PC molecules.     

Triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry of sesquiterpene lactones: a study of goyazensolide and its congeners

Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) was used to investigate the fragmentation pattern of ten sesquiterpene lactones of the goyazensolide type under low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The analysis revealed that loss of CO(2)[M + H - 44](+) is the predominant process for compounds that exhibit a hydroxyl at C-8. In contrast, compounds with different acyloxy groups at C-8 fragment by means of elimination of the corresponding carboxylic acids [M + H - (R(2)CO(2)H)](+) and consecutive losses of CO and H(2)O. Our results also demonstrate the influence of both the stereochemistry of the acyloxy group at C-8 on the relative abundances of product ions and the hydroxyl at C-15, which creates an additional pathway, resulting in highly diagnostic product ions. This work clearly demonstrates the utility of tandem quadrupole low-resolution mass spectrometry for studies on the rationalization of the fragmentation of a series of compounds with a highly conserved core structure, but differing in substituent groups.     

Characterization of inositol phosphorylceramides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leishmania major</Emphasis> by tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization

We describe tandem mass spectrometric approaches, including multiple stage ion-trap and source collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI) to characterize inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) species seen as [M - H](-) and [M - 2H + Li](-) ions in the negative-ion mode as well as [M + H](+), [M + Li](+), and [M - H + 2Li](+) ions in the positive-ion mode. Following CAD in an ion-trap or a triple-stage quadrupole instrument, the [M - H](-) ions of IPC yielded fragment ions reflecting only the inositol and the fatty acyl substituent of the molecule. In contrast, the mass spectra from MS(3) of [M - H - Inositol](-) ions contained abundant ions that are readily applicable for assignment of the fatty acid and long-chain base (LCB) moieties. Both the product-ion spectra from MS(2) and MS(3) of the [M - 2H + Alk](-), [M + H](+), [M + Alk](+), and [M - H + 2Alk](+) ions also contained rich fragment ions informative for unambiguous assignment of the fatty acyl substituent and the LCB. However, the sensitivity of the ions observed in the forms of [M - 2H + Alk](-), [M + H](+), [M + Alk](+), and [M - H + 2Alk](+) (Alk = Li, Na) is nearly 10 times less than that observed in the [M - H](-) form. In addition to the major fragmentation pathways leading to elimination of the inositol or inositol monophosphate moiety, several structurally informative ions resulting from rearrangement processes were observed. The fragmentation processes are similar to those previously reported for ceramides. While the tandem mass spectrometric approach using MS(n) (n = 2, 3) permits the structures of the Leishmania major IPCs consisting of two isomeric structures to be unveiled in detail, tandem mass spectra from constant neutral loss scans may provide a simple method for detecting IPC in mixtures.     

Fragmentation patterns of newly isolated cassane butenolide diterpenes and differentiation of stereoisomer by tandem mass spectrometry

Different stereoisomers of active molecules often cause different physiological responses and hence pose a challenge for their identification. This study involves perceptive fragmentation behavior of newly isolated cassane butenolides, caesalpinolide A [1] and caesalpinolide B [2] (epimeric at the hemiketal position) by tandem MS. The electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)/collision-induced dissociation (CID; ESI-MS(2) and ESI-IT-MS(n)) were investigated. The effect of orientations of hemiketal hydroxyl at C-12 was clearly observed in the mass spectrum. Tandem mass spectra of 1, 1(A) or 2, 2(A) show stereospecific fragmentation resulting in significant abundance dissimilarity of [MH - H(2)O](+) as well as differences in fragmentation pathway. Both of these pathways seem to be influenced by the stereochemistry of the molecule. The differentiation can be clearly visualized from the [M + H - H(2)O](+)/[M + H](+) ratio of the two isomers where beta-isomer 2 was found to be five times higher than that of alpha-isomer 1 in full scan liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(LC-ESI-MS). In high-energy CID, the mass fingerprint of 1, 2, 1(A), and 2(A) was found to be different from one another.     

Mass spectral analysis of N-oxides of Chemical Weapons Convention related aminoethanols under electrospray ionization conditions

N,N'-Dialkylaminoethanols are the hydrolyzed products or precursors of chemical warfare agents such as V-agents and nitrogen mustards, and they are prone to undergo oxidation in environmental matrices or during decontamination processes. Consequently, screening of the oxidized products of aminoethanols in aqueous samples is an important task in the verification of chemical weapons convention-related chemicals. Here we report the successful characterization of the N-oxides of N,N'-dialkylaminoethanols, alkyl diethanolamines, and triethanolamine using positive ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of the [M+H](+) and [M+Na](+) ions show diagnostic product ions that enable the unambiguous identification of the studied N-oxides, including those of isomeric compounds. The proposed fragmentation pathways are supported by high-resolution mass spectrometry data and product/precursor ion spectra. The CID spectra of [M+H](+) ions included [MH-CH(4)O(2)](+) as the key product ion, in addition to a distinctive alkene loss that allowed us to recognize the alkyl group attached to the nitrogen. The [M+Na](+) ions show characteristic product ions due to the loss of groups (R) attached to nitrogen either as a radical (R) or as a molecule [R+H or (R-H)] after hydrogen migration.     

Cleavage reactions of the complex ions derived from self-complementary deoxydinucleotides and alkali-metal ions using positive ion electrospray ionization with tandem mass spectrometry

The dissociation reactions of the adduct ions derived from the four self-complementary deoxydinucleotides, d(ApT), d(TpA), d(CpG), d(GpC), and alkali-metal ions were studied in detail by positive ion electrospray ionization multiple-stage mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)). For the [M + H](+) ions of the four deoxydinucleotides, elimination of 5'-terminus base or loss of both of 5'-terminus base and a deoxyribose were the major dissociation pathway. The ESI-MS(n) spectra showed that Li(+), Na(+), and Cs(+) bind to deoxydinucleotides mainly by substituting the H(+) of phosphate group, and these alkali-metal ions preferred to bind to pyrimidine bases rather than purine bases. For a given deoxydinucleotide, the dissociation pathway of [M + K](+) ions differed clearly from that of [M + Li](+), [M + Na](+), and [M + Cs](+) ions. Some interesting and characteristic cleavage reactions were observed in the product-ion spectra of [M + K](+) ions, including direct elimination of deoxyribose and HPO(3) from molecular ions. The fragmentation behavior of the [M + K](+) and [M + W](+) (W = Li, Na, Cs) adduct ions depend upon the sequence of bases, the interaction between alkali-metal ions and nucleobases, and the steric hindrance caused by bases.     

Positive and negative gas-phase ion chemistry of chlorofluorocarbons in air at atmospheric pressure

This paper presents a report on the ionization/dissociation of some representative chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) induced by corona discharges in air at atmospheric pressure. Both positive and negative ions formed from Freons 1,1,1-trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC 113a), 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC 113), and 1,1,1,2-tetrachlorodifluoroethane (CFC 112a) were analyzed using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) instrument. Energy-resolved mass spectra were obtained by modulating the kinetic energy of the ions via adjustment of the sampling cone potential (V(cone)). Positive ion spectra of the CFCs (M) at low V(cone) show no signals due to either M(+)* or MH(+) but only those due to species [M - Cl](+) and CX(3)(+) (X = Cl, F), likely formed via C-Cl and C-C bond cleavages following ionization via charge exchange. Charge localization in the products of C-C bond cleavage in M(+)* is driven by the stability of the neutral fragment. At low V(cone) the hydrates [M - Cl](+)(H(2)O) are also observed. In the case of 1,1,2,-trichlorotrifluoroethane, [M - F](+) species also form as a result of ion-molecule reactions. As V(cone) is increased collision-induced dissociation of [M - Cl](+) and [M - F](+), i.e., the perhalogenated cations C(2)X(5)(+) (X = Cl, F), takes place via carbene elimination. In some cases such elimination is preceded or accompanied by rearrangements involving transfer of halogen from one carbon to the other. Evidence is also presented for the occurrence of a condensation reaction of C(2)Cl(3)F(2)(+) with water to form a C(2)Cl(2)F(2)HO(+) species via elimination of HCl. Negative ion spectra are dominated by Cl(-) and its ion-neutral complexes with M and with water. Additional components of the plasma include ion-neutral complexes O(3)(-)(M), the molecular anion M(-) (observed only with 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane), and an interesting species corresponding to [M - Cl + O](-). The origin and structure of these [M - Cl + O](-) species are discussed in terms of available thermochemical and reactivity data and current mechanistic views concerning reaction of O(2)(-) with halogenated compounds. The observation of both positive and negative ions containing oxygen is of special relevance to development of new processes for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on oxidative decomposition induced by corona discharges in air at room temperature and pressure.     

Silver complexation and tandem mass spectrometry for differentiation of triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel

For detection and differentiation of two types of triterpenoid saponins based on different aglycons of the lupane and oleanane skeleton from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, the silver ion was introduced and electrospray ionization multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry was applied to analyze eleven triterpenoid saponin silver complexes. The quasi-molecular ion [M+Ag](+) was observed in the full-scan MS spectra of all the silver complexes. The MS(2) data of the [M+Ag](+) ion provided structural information on the sugar sequence of the oligosaccharide chains and the aglycon of the saponins. There are two patterns in the cleavage pathway of oleanane-type saponins. One is elimination of the sugar chain and subsequent loss of the carboxylic group which is the same as the cleavage of lupine-type saponins. The other is loss of the distinguishing ions at m/z 72 and 28 (C(2)H(4)) followed by loss of the carboxylic group. Diagnostic fragmentation pathways of the silver complexes of the saponins allow successful identification of the two types of saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel.     

Differentiation of diasteromeric α-sulfanyl-β-amino acid derivatives by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A set of diastereomeric α-sulfanyl-β-amino acid derivatives, which are important building blocks for pharmaceuticals with potent biological activity, are studied by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra of [M+H](+), [M+NH(4)](+), [M+Na](+) and [M+Li](+) of the diastereomers were studied, among them the CID of [M+Na](+) and [M+Li](+) showed consistent differences in the relative abundance of characteristic ions that enabled distinction of the anti isomers from syn isomers. The decomposition pathways for the diagnostic ions were arrived at based on high-resolution mass spectrometry data, multiple mass spectrometry data, deuterium labeling experiments and the mass shift in accordance with the substituents located at different places. Loss of (R(1)-C(6)H(4)-CH=NH) and (Cat-NH-SO(2)R(2)) from [M+Cat](+), where Cat=Na and Li, and the product ions as a results of McLafferty rearrangement involving either >S=O or >C=O group were found to be diagnostic. The McLafferty rearrangement product ions involving >S=O group were more abundant in syn isomers while those involving >C=O group were more abundant in anti isomer. The selectivity observed in the decomposition of [M+Li](+) ions was found to be similar to that of [M+Na](+) ions, but in few cases the differences are marginal in the decomposition [M+Li](+) ions.     

Tandem mass spectra of divalent metal ion adducts of glycosyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones; distinction among stereoisomers

The tandem mass spectra of the divalent metal ion (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+) adducts of acetylated 1,2-trans-glycosyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones were examined using low energy collision-induced dissociation on a Quattro II quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. Abundant doubly charged ions, such as [3M + Met]2+ and [2M + Met]2+, were observed with alkaline earth metal chlorides. The other ions observed were [M + MetCl]+, [M + MetOAc]+, [M + MetO2SPh]+ and [2M + MetCl]+. The deprotonated metal adducts [M + Met-H]+ were seen only in the sulfones. The divalent metal ion adducts showed characteristic fragmentation pathways for the glycosyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones, depending on the site of metal attachment. The doubly charged metal ion adducts dissociate to two singly charged ions, [M + MetOAc]+ and [M - OAc]+, in the sulfides and sulfoxides. In the sulfones, the adducts dissociate to [M + MetO2SPh]+ and [M - O2SPh]+. In contrast to the alkaline earth metals, which attach to the acetoxy functions, the transition metals attach to the sulfide and sulfoxide functions. The metal chloride adducts display characteristic fragmentation for the sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones. The glucosyl, mannosyl and galactosyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones could be differentiated on the basis of the stereochemically controlled MS/MS fragmentations of the metal chloride adducts.     

Post-source decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric study of tetracyclic 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepines

The fragmentation behavior of six tetracyclic 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepine derivatives cationized with protons and silver ions under post-source decay (PSD) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) conditions is reported. The protonated adduct ions decompose into several structurally important fragment ions, including substituted cyclopropane and benzohydrothiazole cations. Elimination of Ag and H and/or AgH from the silver-cationized adduct ions of these ([M+Ag](+)) compounds was observed. It was also found that [M+Ag](+) produced silver-depleted fragment ions exclusively. Based on the PSD results a fragmentation pathway is proposed for the [M+H](+) and [M+Ag](+) precursor ions.     

Letter: steric effects in electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry of 11betanitrates of estrane series

The fragmentation of [M+Na](+) ions produced from steroid 11beta-nitrates during electrospray/ionization (ESI) was studied by using ion trap MS/MS technique. The [M+Na](+) ions eliminate NO(2) and HNO(3) for epimers bearing 9beta and 9alpha substituents, respectively. As the main fragmentation pathways are determined mainly by the configuration at C-9 and alternative fragmentation does not practically occur, this offers the possibility for the determination of the configuration at chiral C-9 centre in the estrane 11beta-nitrate series by ESI mass spectrometry.     

Collisionally-induced dissociation of substituted pyrimidine antiviral agents: Mechanisms of ion formation using gas phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

ESI and CID mass spectra were obtained for four pyrimidine nucleoside antiviral agents and the corresponding compounds in which the labile hydrogens were replaced by deuterium using gas-phase exchange. The number of labile hydrogens, x, was determined from a comparison of ESI spectra obtained with N(2) and with ND(3) as the nebulizer gas. CID mass spectra were obtained for [M + H](+) and [M - H](-) ions and the exchanged analogs, [M(D(x)) + D](+) and [M(D(x)) - D](-), produced by ESI using a SCIEX API-III(plus) mass spectrometer. Protonated pyrimidine antiviral agents dissociate through rearrangement decompositions of base-protonated [M + H](+) ions by cleavage of the glycosidic bonds to give the protonated bases with a sugar moiety as the neutral fragment. Cleavage of the glycosidic bonds with charge retention on the sugar moiety eliminates the base moiety as a neutral molecule and produces characteristic sugar ions. CID of protonated pyrimidine bases, [B + H](+), occurs through three major pathways: (1) elimination of NH(3) (ND(3)), (2) loss of H(2)O (D(2)O), and (3) elimination of HNCO (DNCO). Protonated trifluoromethyl uracil, however, dissociates primarily through elimination of HF followed by the loss of HNCO. CID mass spectra of [M - H](-) ions of all four antiviral agents show NCO(-) as the principal decomposition product. A small amount of deprotonated base is also observed, but no sugar ions. Elimination of HNCO, HN(3), HF, CO, and formation of iodide ion are minor dissociation pathways from [M - H](-) ions.     

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange reactions of cis- and trans-cyclopropane derivatives with D(2)O and CD(3)OD in the gas phase

Gas-phase hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange reactions involving four isomeric cyclopropane derivatives were investigated under chemical ionization (CI) conditions, using D(2)O and CD(3)OD as reagent gases. There are abundant ions at [M + 1](+), [M + 2](+) and [M + 3](+) in the D(2)O and CD(3)OD positive-ion CI mass spectra of the two isomer pairs 1, 2 and 3, 4. Their CI mass spectra are identical with each pair, and so are the collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of ions [M + 1](+), [M + 2](+) and [M + 3](+) of each of the two isomer pairs. The CID spectra of [M + 1](+) ions indicate that they have common D/H exchange reactions within each pair, which take place between molecular ions and deuterium-labeling reagents to form the [M - H + D](+) ions. Those of their [M + 2](+) ions show that they have common D/H exchange reactions within each pair, which form the [M(d1) + H](+) ions. Those of their [M + 3](+) ions show that they have common D/H exchange reactions within each pair, which take place between the [M(d1)] and deuterium-labeling reagents to produce [M(d2) + H](+) for the isomer pair 1, 2 and [M(d1) + D](+) for the isomer pair 3, 4. The number and position, and active order of the active hydrogen atoms of the isomer pairs 1, 2 and 3, 4 were determined. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.