Abstract: | The ionization potentials for the stereoisomers of trans-fused 2- and 3-methylbicyclo[4.4.0]decanes and the appearance potentials for the ions at m/e 137 [M–CH3]+, 109, 96, 95 and 82 were measured by the electron impact method. The ionization potentials and appearance potentials of the [M–CH3]+ ions appeared to be equal for each of the epimers. Appearance potentials of the other ions were always lower for the less stable epimer. No quantitative correlation was observed between the difference in the appearance potentials for any ions and the differences in enthalpies of the ground states. |