ESI‐MS/MS analysis of protonated N‐methyl amino acids and their immonium ions

Methylation is one of the important posttranslational modifications of biological systems. At the metabolite level, the methylation process is expected to convert bioactive compounds such as amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, sugars, and other organic acids into their methylated forms. A few of the methylated amino acids are identified and have been proved as potential biomarkers for several metabolic disorders by using mass spectrometry–based metabolomics workstation. As it is possible to encounter all the N‐methyl forms of the proteinogenic amino acids in plant/biological systems, it is essential to have analytical data of all N‐methyl amino acids for their detection and identification. In earlier studies, we have reported the ESI‐MS/MS data of all methylated proteinogenic amino acids, except that of mono‐N‐methyl amino acids. In this study, the N‐methyl amino acids of all the amino acids ( 1 ‐ 21 ; including one isomeric pair) were synthesized and characterized by ESI‐MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, and HRMS. These data could be useful for detection and identification of N‐methyl amino acids in biological systems for future metabolomics studies. The MS/MS spectra of [M + H]⁺ ions of most N‐methyl amino acids showed respective immonium ions by the loss of (H₂O, CO). The other most common product ions detected were [MH‐(NH₂CH₃]⁺, [MH‐(RH)]⁺ (where R = side chain group) ions, and the selective structure indicative product ions due to side chain and N‐methyl group. The isomeric/isobaric N‐methyl amino acids could easily be differentiated by their distinct MS/MS spectra. Further, the MS/MS of immonium ions inferred side chain structure and methyl group on α‐nitrogen of the N‐methyl amino acids.     

Characterization of N‐Boc/Fmoc/Z‐N′‐formyl‐gem‐diaminoalkyl derivatives using electrospray ionization multi‐stage mass spectrometry

N‐Boc/Fmoc/Z‐N′‐formyl‐gem‐diaminoalkyl derivatives, intermediates particularly useful in the synthesis of partially modified retro‐inverso peptides, have been characterized by both positive and negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) ion‐trap multi‐stage mass spectrometry (MSⁿ). The MS² collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra of the sodium adduct of the formamides derived from the corresponding N‐Fmoc/Z‐amino acids, dipeptide and tripeptide acids show the [M + Na‐NH₂CHO]⁺ ion, arising from the loss of formamide, as the base peak. Differently, the MS² CID spectra of [M + Na]⁺ ion of all the N‐Boc derivatives yield the abundant [M + Na‐C₄H₈]⁺ and [M + Na‐Boc + H]⁺ ions because of the loss of isobutylene and CO₂ from the Boc protecting function. Useful information on the type of amino acids and their sequence in the N‐protected dipeptidyl and tripeptidyl‐N′‐formamides is provided by MS² and subsequent MSⁿ experiments on the respective precursor ions. The negative ion ESI mass spectra of these oligomers show, in addition to [M‐H]^?, [M + HCOO]^? and [M + Cl]^? ions, the presence of in‐source CID fragment ions deriving from the involvement of the N‐protecting group. Furthermore, MSⁿ spectra of [M + Cl]^? ion of N‐protected dipeptide and tripeptide derivatives show characteristic fragmentations that are useful for determining the nature of the C‐terminal gem‐diamino residue. The present paper represents an initial attempt to study the ESI‐MS behavior of these important intermediates and lays the groundwork for structural‐based studies on more complex partially modified retro‐inverso peptides. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electron ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric study of a series of isomeric N‐chloro(or bromo)benzyl‐substituted (E)‐2′(3′‐ or 4′)‐hydroxy‐4‐stilbazole halides

The electron ionization (EI) mass spectra and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of a series of isomeric N‐chlorobenzyl‐ and N‐bromobenzyl‐substituted (E)‐2′(3′ or 4′)‐hydroxy‐4‐stilbazole chlorides and bromides (1–12) were recorded. The fragmentation pathways of all of the compounds and the characteristic fragment ions formed by EI‐MS were studied by means of B/E and B²/E constant linked‐scanning techniques. The formation of ions originating from preionization reactions, characteristic of quaternary halides under EI‐MS conditions, such as the elimination of chloro‐ or bromobenzyl halides, dehydrohalogenation or substitution reactions, is explained. As soft ionization methods cause no such degradation reactions, the ESI‐MS spectra of the studied compounds were also obtained for comparison. We thus demonstrated the applicability of EI‐MS even in cases when preionization takes place, as long as such secondary processes are properly accounted for. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of N,N‐dimethyl amino acids by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry

Methylation is an essential metabolic process for a number of critical reactions in the body. Methyl groups are involved in the healthy function of the body life processes, by conducting methylation process involving specific enzymes. In these processes, various amino acids are methylated, and the occurrence of methylated amino acids in nature is diverse. Nowadays, mass‐spectrometric‐based identification of small molecules as biomarkers for diseases is a growing research. Although all dimethyl amino acids are metabolically important molecules, mass spectral data are available only for a few of them in the literature. In this study, we report synthesis and characterization of all dimethyl amino acids, by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments on protonated molecules. The MS/MS spectra of all the studied dimethyl amino acids showed preliminary loss of H₂O + CO to form corresponding immonium ions. The other product ions in the spectra are highly characteristic of the methyl groups on the nitrogen and side chain of the amino acids. The amino acids, which are isomeric and isobaric with the studied dimethyl amino acids, gave distinctive MS/MS spectra. The study also included MS/MS analysis of immonium ions of dimethyl amino acids that provide information on side chain structure, and it is further tested to determine the N‐terminal amino acid of the peptides. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of (S,S)‐Fmoc‐β2hIle‐OH, (S)‐Fmoc‐β2hMet‐OH,and (S)‐Fmoc‐β2hTyr(tBu)‐OH for Solid‐Phase Syntheses of β2‐ and β2/β3‐Peptides

The preparation of three new N‐Fmoc‐protected (Fmoc=[(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy]carbonyl) β²‐homoamino acids with proteinogenic side chains (from Ile, Tyr, and Met) is described, the key step being a diastereoselective amidomethylation of the corresponding Ti‐enolates of 3‐acyl‐4‐isopropyl‐5,5‐diphenyloxazolidin‐2‐ones with CbzNHCH₂OMe/TiCl₄ (Cbz=(benzyloxy)carbonyl) in yields of 60–70% and with diastereoselectivities of >90%. Removal of the chiral auxiliary with LiOH or NaOH gives the N‐Cbz‐protected β‐amino acids, which were subjected to an N‐Cbz/N‐Fmoc (Fmoc=[(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy]carbonyl) protective‐group exchange. The method is suitable for large‐scale preparation of Fmoc‐β²hXaa‐OH for solid‐phase syntheses of β‐peptides. The Fmoc‐amino acids and all compounds leading to them have been fully characterized by melting points, optical rotations, IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, and mass spectra, as well as by elemental analyses.     

In situ green synthesis of Cu‐Ni bimetallic nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide as an effective and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of N‐benzyl‐N‐aryl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazoles

In the present work, for the first time we have designed a novel approach for the synthesis of N‐benzyl‐N‐aryl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazoles using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with Cu‐Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). In situ synthesis of Cu/Ni/rGO nanocomposite was performed by a cost efficient, surfactant‐free and environmentally benign method using Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. leaf extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. Phytochemicals present in the extract can be used to reduce Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions and GO to Cu NPs, Ni NPs and rGO, respectively. Analyses by means of FT‐IR, UV–Vis, EDS, TEM, FESEM, XRD and elemental mapping confirmed the Cu/Ni/rGO formation and also FT‐IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis were used to characterize the tetrazoles. The Cu/Ni/rGO nanocomposite showed the superior catalytic activity for the synthesis of N‐benzyl‐N‐aryl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazoles within a short reaction time and high yields. Furthermore, this protocol eliminates the need to handle HN₃.     

Two new CoII coordination polymers with multifunctional 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid and flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands: preparation,crystal structure and characterization

Two new Co^II coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[[(5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κO)aquacobalt(II)]‐bis[μ‐1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene‐κ²N:N′]] 4.75‐hydrate], {[Co(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)₂(H₂O)]·4.75H₂O}_n, (1), and poly[(μ‐5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O¹:O³)[μ‐1,2‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene‐κ²N:N′]cobalt(II)], [Co(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]_n, (2), have been synthesized successfully by the assembly of multifunctional 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid (H₂ATBIP) and Co^II ions in the presence of the flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands 1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene (mbix) and 1,2‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene (obix). The isomeric mbix and obix ligands have a big influence on the structures of CPs (1) and (2). CP (1) is composed of chains of nanometre‐sized elliptical rings, in which the Co^II atom exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and ATBIP²⁻ acts as a monodentate ligand. Two adjacent chains are interlinked by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds, resulting in a supramolecular double chain. Hydrogen‐bonded R₈⁶(16) rings extend adjacent supramolecular double chains into a two‐dimensional supramolecular layer. Halogen bonding and a hydrogen‐bonded R₄²(8) ring further link the two‐dimensional supramolecular layers, leading to the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. The Co^II ion in CP (2) is tetracoordinated, exhibiting a distorted tetrahedral configuration. The ATBIP²⁻ ligand exhibits a bis(monodentate) coordination bridging mode, linking adjacent Co^II ions into zigzag chains, which are further bridged by the auxiliary bridging obix ligand, resulting in a two‐dimensional (4,4) topological network. Interlayer hydrogen and halogen–halogen bonding further extend the two‐dimensional layers into a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. A detailed analysis of the solid‐state UV–Vis–NIR diffuse‐reflectance spectra of (1) and (2) indicates that a wide optical band gap exists in both (1) and (2). CP (1) exhibits an irreversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour.     

A Simple and Efficient Procedure for Synthesis of Optically Active 1,2,4‐Triazolo‐[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Derivatives Containing l‐Amino Acid Moieties

Some new and optically active 1,2,4‐triazolo thiadiazoles bearing N‐phthaloyl‐l ‐amino acids were synthesized by reaction of 4‐amino‐5‐(3‐ or 4‐)pyridyl‐3‐mercapto‐(4H)‐1,2,4‐triazoles with N‐phthaloyl‐l ‐amino acids in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. All the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and elemental analysis.     

Tautomeric behaviour and isotopic multiplets in the 13C NMR spectra of partially deuterated 5‐arylazo‐pyrimidine (1H,3H,5H)‐2,4,6‐triones and 5‐arylazo‐2‐thioxo‐pyrimidine (1H,3H,5H)‐4,6‐diones—evidence for elucidation of tautomeric forms

NMR spectra of the synthesized azo dyes, 5‐arylazo‐pyrimidine (1H,3H,5H)‐2,4,6‐triones (5a–g), 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐arylazo‐pyrimidine (1H,3H,5H)‐2,4,6‐triones (6a–g), and 5‐arylazo‐2‐thioxo‐pyrimidine (1H,3H,5H)‐4,6‐diones (7a–g) were studied in (CD₃)₂SO (three drops of CD₃OD were added into solutions of the dyes in two different concentrations). All dyes showed intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Dyes 5a–7a showed bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Tautomeric behaviours of some of N‐methylated azo dyes (6a‐g) were studied in two different concentrations. The solvent–substrate proton exchange of dyes 5a–d, 6a and 7a–e was examined in presence of three drops of CD₃OD. The dyes which were soluble in (CD₃)₂SO containing CD₃OD showed isotopic splitting (β‐isotope effect) in the ¹³C NMR spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N-phosphoryl amino acids and peptides. Part II: Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of N-di-isopropyloxyphosphoryl and N-dibutyloxyphosphoryl amino acids

The positive ion fast atom bombardment mass spectra of N-di-isopropyloxyphosphoryl (Dipp) and N-dibutyloxyphosphoryl (Dbp) amino acids or amino acid methyl esters are presented; and according to the observation of the metastable ions and the high-resolution accurate mass measurement their fragmentation patterns are postulated. Both types of compounds were found to undergo similar fragmentations to produce (HO)₂P(O)N?CH? R + H⁺, in most cases as the most abundant fragment ion of structural significance. An intrinsical difference between the two types of compounds is that N-Dippamino acids appear to favour the successive losses of two molecules of propylene, while the loss of HCOOH seems to be preferred by the Dbp amino acids. For those compounds containing an extra functional group on the side chain of amino acids such as serine or glutamic acid some other type of fragmentation was observed besides the normal phenomenon.     

Synthesis and characterization of a cadmium(II)–organic supramolecular coordination compound based on the multifunctional 2‐amino‐5‐sulfobenzoic acid ligand

Much attention has been paid by chemists to the construction of supramolecular coordination compounds based on the multifunctional ligand 5‐sulfosalicylic acid (H₃SSA) due to the structural and biological interest of these compounds. However, no coordination compounds have been reported for the multifunctional amino‐substituted sulfobenzoate ligand 2‐amino‐5‐sulfobenzoic acid (H₂asba). We expected that H₂asba could be a suitable building block for the assembly of supramolecular networks due to its interesting structural characteristics. The reaction of cadmium(II) nitrate with H₂asba in the presence of the auxiliary flexible dipyridylamide ligand N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide (4bpme) under ambient conditions formed a new mixed‐ligand coordination compound, namely bis(3‐amino‐4‐carboxybenzenesulfonato‐κO¹)diaquabis{N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide‐κN}cadmium(II)–N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide–water (1/1/4), [Cd(C₇H₆NO₅S)₂(C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂)₂(H₂O)₂]·C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂·4H₂O, (1), which was characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), FT–IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopic analyses in the solid state. The central Cd^II atom in (1) occupies a special position on a centre of inversion and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, being coordinated by two N atoms from two monodentate 4bpme ligands, four O atoms from two monodentate 4‐amino‐3‐carboxybenzenesulfonate (Hasba⁻) ligands and two coordinated water molecules. Interestingly, complex (1) further extends into a threefold polycatenated 0D→2D (0D is zero‐dimensional and 2D is two‐dimensional) interpenetrated supramolecular two‐dimensional (4,4) layer through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The interlayer hydrogen bonding further links adjacent threefold polycatenated two‐dimensional layers into a three‐dimensional network. The optical properties of complex (1) indicate that it may be used as a potential indirect band gap semiconductor material. Complex (1) exhibits an irreversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour. The fluorescence properties have also been investigated in the solid state at room temperature.     

Development of a new electron ionization/field ionization ion source for gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

We have developed a combined EI/FI source for gas chromatography/orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC/oaTOFMS). In general, EI (electron ionization) and FI (field ionization) mass spectra are complementary: the EI mass spectrum contains information about fragment ions, while the FI mass spectrum contains information about molecular ions. Thus, the comparative study of EI and FI mass spectra is useful for GC/MS analyses. Unlike the conventional ion sources for FI and EI measurements, the newly developed source can be used for both measurements without breaking the ion source vacuum or changing the ion source. Therefore, the combined EI/FI source is more preferable than the conventional EI or FI ion source from the viewpoint of the reliability of measurements and facility of operation. Using the combined EI/FI source, the complementarity between EI and FI mass spectra is demonstrated experimentally with n‐hexadecane (100 pg): characteristic fragment ions for the n‐alkane such as m/z 43, 57, 71, and 85 are obtained in the EI mass spectrum, while only the parent peak of m/z 226 (M⁺) without any fragment ions is observed in the FI mass spectrum. Moreover, the field desorption (FD) measurement is also demonstrated with poly(ethylene glycol)s M600 (10 ng) and M1000 (15 ng). Signals of [M+H]⁺, [M+Na]⁺ and [M+K]⁺ are clearly detected in the FD mass spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the Mass Spectra of Monocyclic N‐Aryl‐δ‐Valerolactams

The fragmental behavior of some monocyclic N‐aryl‐δ‐valerolactams in EI‐MS was studied. Their molecular ion peak, together with some characteristic fragments such as [M‐29]⁺, [M‐56]^+?, [M‐69]⁺, and [M‐98]⁺, were always found in a series of N‐aryl‐δ‐valerolactams in EI‐MS spectra. Furthermore, the mechanism for the interpretation of each fragment is described.     

Positional isomer differentiation of synthetic cannabinoid JWH‐081 by GC‐MS/MS

Like many new designer drugs of abuse, synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have structural or positional isomers which may or may not all be regulated under law. Differences in acute toxicity may exist between isomers which impose further burden in the fields of forensic toxicology, medicine and legislation. Isomer differentiation therefore becomes crucial from these standpoints as new designer drugs continuously emerge with just minor positional modifications to their preexisting analogs. The aim of this study was to differentiate the positional isomers of JWH‐081. Purchased standard compounds of JWH‐081 and its positional isomers were analyzed by gas chromatography‐electron ionization‐mass spectrometry (GC‐EI‐MS) first in scan mode to investigate those isomers who could be differentiated by EI scan spectra. Isomers with identical or near‐identical EI spectra were further subjected to GC‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis with appropriate precursor ions. EI scan was able to distinguish 3 of the 7 isomers: 2‐methoxy, 7‐methoxy and 8‐methoxy. The remaining isomers exhibited near‐identical spectra; hence, MS/MS was performed by selecting m/z 185 and 157 as precursor ions. 3‐Methoxy and 5‐methoxy isomers produced characteristic product ions that enabled the differentiation between them. Product ion spectrum of 6‐methoxy isomer resembled that of JWH‐081; however, the relative ion intensities were clearly different from one another. The combination of EI scan and MS/MS allowed for the regioisomeric differentiation of the targeted compounds in this study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of two one‐dimensional CdII coordination polymers (CPs) with 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid and flexible N‐donor bipyridyl ligands

The bromo‐substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid (H₂ATBIP) was used to assemble with Cd^II ions in the presence of the N‐donor flexible bipyridyl ligands 3,3′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diyl)dipyridine (mzpy) and 1,3‐bis(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)urea (3bpmu), leading to the formation of two chain coordination polymers by adopting solution methods, namely, catena‐poly[[[triaqua(5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalato‐κO)cadmium(II)]‐μ‐3,3′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diyl)dipyridine‐κ²N¹:N^1′] dihydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₀H₈N₄)(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_n or {[Cd(ATBIP)(mzpy)(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_n, ( 1 ), and catena‐poly[[[tetraaquacadmium(II)]‐μ‐1,3‐bis(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)urea‐κ²N¹:N^1′‐[diaquabis(5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalato‐κO)cadmium(II)]‐μ‐1,3‐bis(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)urea‐κ²N¹:N^1′] octahydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₂H₁₂N₄O)(H₂O)₃]·4H₂O}_n or {[Cd(ATBIP)(3bpmu)(H₂O)₃]·4H₂O}_n, ( 2 ). Both complexes were characterized by FT–IR spectroscopic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), solid‐state diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, and single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). The mzpy and 3bpmu ligands bridge the Cd^II metal centres in ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) into one‐dimensional chains, and the ATBIP²⁻ ligands show a monodentate coordination to the Cd^II centres in both coordination polymers. A discrete water tetramer exists in ( 1 ). Within the chains of ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), there are halogen bonds between adjacent ATBIP²⁻ and mzpy or 3bpmu ligands, as well as hydrogen bonds between the ATBIP²⁻ ligands and the coordinated water molecules. With the aid of weak interactions, the structures of ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) are further extended into three‐dimensional supramolecular networks. An analysis of the solid‐state diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectra of ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) indicates that a wide indirect band gap exists in both complexes. Complexes ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) exhibit irreversible and reversible dehydration–rehydration behaviours, respectively, and the solid‐state fluorescence properties of both complexes have been studied.     

两类三组份反应产物：1,3-恶嗪及嘧啶-2-酮类化合物的质谱学行为研究

电喷雾质谱被应用于分辨2-氨基-1,3-恶嗪及六氢化-4-苯基-吡喃[2,3-d]嘧啶-2-酮的杂环结构。两类化合物均为三组份反应的产物,且其杂环的结构很难用NMR判断。实验首次系统研究了两类化合物的质谱学行为（包括氘代实验和高分辨质谱研究）,发现前者在CID实验中丢失CH2N2和HCNO,而后者为直接丢失尿素。这些特征丢失为该类衍生物的结构判断,尤其是高通量的合成产物分析提供了重要的依据。     

Proton transfer and isotope‐induced reaction in aniline cluster ions

The proton transfer (PT) and other intraclusters reactions occurring after electron ionization of aniline clusters (PhNH₂)_N are investigated by the time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The mass spectra are recorded for different expansion conditions leading to the generation of different cluster sizes. Several fragment ions are shown to originate from intracluster reactions, namely, [Ph]⁺, [PhNH₃]⁺ and [Ph–N–Ph]⁺. Reaction schemes are proposed for these ions starting with the PT process. The mass region beyond the monomer mass is dominated by cluster ions (PhNH₂)_n⁺ accompanied by satellites with ±H and +2H. In experiments with deuterated species, new fragment ions are identified. The aniline isotopomer d₅‐PhNH₂ yields the fragment ions (PhNH₂)_n?(N–Ph–NH₂)⁺. Analogical series is observed in experiments with d₇‐PhND₂, and additional fragments occur corresponding to (PhND₂)_n?(D₂N–ND–Ph–ND–ND₂)⁺ ions. The possible reaction pathways to these ions and the unusual isotope effects are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fragmentation of oxime and silyl oxime ether odd‐electron positive ions by the McLafferty rearrangement: new insights on structural factors that promote α,β fragmentation

The McLafferty rearrangement is an extensively studied fragmentation reaction for the odd‐electron positive ions from a diverse range of functional groups and molecules. Here, we present experimental and theoretical results of 12 model compounds that were synthesized and investigated by GC‐TOF MS and density functional theory calculations. These compounds consisted of three main groups: carbonyls, oximes and silyl oxime ethers. In all electron ionization mass spectra, the fragment ions that could be attributed to the occurrence of a McLafferty rearrangement were observed. For t‐butyldimethylsilyl oxime ethers with oxygen in a β‐position, the McLafferty rearrangement was accompanied by loss of the t‐butyl radical. The various mass spectra showed that the McLafferty rearrangement is relatively enhanced compared with other primary fragmentation reactions by the following factors: oxime versus carbonyl, oxygen versus methylene at the β‐position and ketone versus aldehyde. Calculations predict that the stepwise mechanism is favored over the concerted mechanism for all but one compound. For carbonyl compounds, C–C bond breaking was the rate‐determining step. However, for both the oximes and t‐butyldimethylsilyl oxime ethers with oxygen at the β‐position, the hydrogen transfer step was rate limiting, whereas with a CH₂ group at the β‐position, the C–C bond breaking was again rate determining. n‐Propoxy‐acetaldehyde, bearing an oxygen atom at the β‐position, is the only case that was predicted to proceed through a concerted mechanism. The synthesized oximes exist as both the (E)‐ and (Z)‐isomers, and these were separable by GC. In the mass spectra of the two isomers, fragment ions that were generated by the McLafferty rearrangement were observed. Finally, fragment ions corresponding to the McLafferty reverse charge rearrangement were observed for all compounds at varying relative ion intensities compared with the conventional McLafferty rearrangement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation,characterization and luminescence‐sensing properties of two ZnII MOFs with mixed 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid and bipyridyl‐type ligands

The bromo‐substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid (H₂ATBIP), in the presence of the N‐donor flexible bipyridyl‐type ligands 1,3‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)propane (bpp) and N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)oxalamide (4‐bpme) and Zn^II ions, was used as an O‐donor ligand to assemble two novel luminescent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely poly[[(μ‐5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalato‐κ²O¹:O³)[μ‐1,3‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)propane‐κ²N:N′]zinc(II)] dimethylformamide monosolvate], {[Zn(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₃H₁₄N₂)]·C₃H₇NO}_n, ( 1 ), and poly[[(μ‐5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalato‐κ²O¹:O³)diaqua[μ‐N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)oxalamide‐κ²N:N′]zinc(II)] monohydrate], {[Zn(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n, ( 2 ), using the solution evaporation method. Both ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) were characterized by FT–IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis (EA), solid‐state diffuse‐reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy, and powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complex ( 1 ) shows a two‐dimensional (2D) corrugated layer simplified as a 2D (4,4) topological network. The supramolecular interactions (π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding and C—Br…Br halogen bonding) play significant roles in the formation of an extended three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular network of ( 1 ). Complex ( 2 ) crystallizes in the chiral space group P2₁2₁2₁ and exhibits a novel 3D homochiral framework, showing a diamond‐like topology with Schläfli symbol 6⁶. The homochirality of ( 2 ) is further confirmed by the solid‐state circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The second harmonic generation (SHG) property of ( 2 ) was also investigated. The hydrogen and C—Br…Br/O halogen bonding further stabilize the framework of ( 2 ). The central Zn^II ions in ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) show tetrahedral and octahedral coordination geometries, respectively. The coordinated and uncoordinated water molecules in ( 2 ) could be removed selectively upon heating. Most importantly, ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) show rapid and highly sensitive sensing for a large pool of nitroaromatic explosives (NAEs).     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of fluorescent (E)‐2‐stilbenyloxyalkylthiouracils and isomer differentiation using EIMS

Twelve new fluorescent (E)‐2‐stilbenyloxyalkylthiouracils and 6‐methyluracils 5a‐51 were prepared. EI induced mass spectral fragmentation of these compounds was investigated. Fragmentation pathways are proposed on the basis of accurate mass and metastable transition measurements. Correlation between the intensities of the M⁺ and the selected fragment ions of these compounds is discussed. The data obtained permit a distinction of the metamers. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of these compounds were assigned unambiguously using a combination of heteronuclear (HETCOR) spectra and the chemical shifts. The data derived from these spectra can be used to differentiate the isomers.