Characterization of internal salts by laser mass spectrometry

An intermolecular alkyl transfer reaction (ATR) leading to ion-pair formation has been observed for internal salts by using laser mass spectrometry (l.m.s.). Positive- and negative-ion spectra both show evidence for alkyl transfer. Both the LAMMA-500 (transmission) and LAMMA-1000 (reflection) laser mass spectrometers were used. The positive-ion laser mass spectra obtained by these two instruments show some significant differences; no significant differences were observed in the negative-ion spectra. Results obtained for quaternary ammoniohexanoates as a function of laser power indicate that the extent of ATR is greater at high laser power. Addition of a small amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the ammoniohexanoates reduces fragmentation and enhances the intensity of the quasimolecular ion (M + H)⁺ relative to ATR. Results from deuterated sultaines were used to confirm intermolecular alkyl transfer and to elucidate some fragmentation processes. Field-desorption (f.d.) mass spectra of internal salts show similarities and differences from l.m.s.; not all internal salts showed the alkyl transfer reaction in f.d. Cluster ion formation was observed in f.d.m.s. but not in l.m.s.