Electron Impact Stabilities of Phospholes and Related Compounds and their Relative “Aromaticity”

Abstract

Electron impact mass spectral fragmentation of a number of phosphole, phosphole oxide, phosphole selenide, and phosphole sulfide derivatives has been used as a probe for part of an on-going examination of the inherent stability, or “aromaticity” of these heterocycles. Ion current measurements and large fragment fragmentation patterns obtained from these compounds as well as from carbocyclic, and other heterocyclic analogs will be presented as one approach to determining the relative stabilities of these systems. The stability patterns obtained appear to be consistent with the relative stabilities established by other methods.     

Mass spectra of 6-ketononanolides and related ketolactones

The mass spectral fragmentation of 6-ketononanolides, 6- and 7- ketodecanolides, 7-ketoundecanolides and 9-ketotridecanolide has been partially correlated via high resolution measurements and the use of methyl substituted derivatives. Moities characteristic of the “lactone side” and the “non-lactone side” of the ketolactones can be described. Metastable transitions and decoupled measurements are offered as additional evidence for some of these pathways.     

Massenspektrometrische untersuchung organischer stickstoffverbindungen - XVI: Elektronenstossinduzierte fragmentierungen von α-pyridiyl-ω-phenylalkanonen und α-phenyl-ω-pyridylalkanen

The electron impact induced fragmentations of twelve pyridine derivatives are discussed. The fragmentation pattern of these compounds is strongly influenced by the number of methylene groups as well as the position of substitution in the pyridine nucleus. By means of mass spectrometry a differentiation between the 2-pyridyl and the 4-pyridyl derivatives is possible and this fact could be important with respect to an analytical identification of the compounds.     

ESI-mass spectrometry analysis of unsubstituted and disubstituted beta-cyclodextrins: fragmentation mode and identification of the AB,AC, AD regioisomers

The study of unsubstituted and disubstituted beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs) by ESI-mass spectrometry is reported, applying a cone-induced fragmentation in the presence of a twofold excess of sodium chloride, in order to gain information about the fragmentation of the different regioisomers. On the basis of the fragmentation pattern observed for the unsusbstituted beta-CD, a statistical model shows that the fragments generated by every regioisomer of a disubstituted CD (AB, AC, and AD) are expected to differ in their relative intensity and, therefore, they can be used for correctly identifying the three different regioisomers. The model was tested on the three regioisomeric (AB, AC, and AD) diamino-beta-CDs and ditosyl-beta-CD and on the AC and AD regioisomers of dimesitylenesulphonyl-beta-CD, allowing in every case through statistical analysis of the fragmentation pattern the correct assignment of every regioisomer on the basis of an ESI mass spectrum (single quadrupole analyzer, high cone voltage) of the pure compounds. The absolute intensities of the fragmentation peaks were voltage-dependent but their ratios was voltage-independent, indicating that no mass bias in peak ratios is introduced by the analyzer. Given the fast time of analysis and its general applicability, independently from the substituents, we propose our method as an easy way to identify the regioisomers of disubstituted beta-CDs.     

Nachbargruppeneffekte bei massenspektrometrischen Fragmentierungsreaktionen: substituierte 1,3-Diaminopropan-Derivate. 17. Mitteilung über das massenspektrometrische Verhalten von Stickstoffverbindungen

The mass spectrometric behaviour of the 1,3-diaminopropane derivative 4a (3,7-diacetyl-3,7-diazadodecane) was investigated with regard to the fragmentation reactions of N, N′, N″-triacetylspermidine ( 1 ), as model for the 1,3-diaminopropane part. It was established that the degradation reactions in 4a and 1 are essentially the same and mainly due to the interaction of two N-acetyl groups. Thereby it is established that the most important mass spectrometric fragmentation reactions of spermidine derivatives take place within the 1,3-diaminopropane unit and are independent of the influence of further N-atoms in the molecule. An ion (m/e 143) was found in the fragmentation pattern of N, N′, N″-triacetylspermidine whose formation can be explained by interaction of all three N-acetyl groups. The corresponding ion was not found, in the spectrum of 4a , with only two N-acetyl groups, thereby confirming the earlier hypothesis.     

Trimethylsilyl transfer during electron ionization mass spectral fragmentation of some omega-hydroxycarboxylic and omega-dicarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl derivatives and the effect of chain length

The electron ionization (EI) mass spectral fragmentation of omega-hydroxycarboxylic and omega-dicarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl derivatives was investigated. The mass spectra of these compounds exhibited fragment ions resulting from classical fragmentation of the trimethylsilyl ether and ester groups, and others resulting from the interactions between the two functionalities (m/z 147, 204, 217, [M-31](+) and [M-105](+) in the case of omega-hydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives and m/z 147, 204, 217 and [M-131](+) in the case of omega-dicarboxylic acid derivatives). Several fragmentation pathways were proposed to explain the formation of these different fragment ions. It is proposed that the ions at m/z 204 and 217 are formed via an initial trimethylsilyl transfer between the ether and the ester group or between the two ester groups. This transfer appeared to be more favoured in the case of omega-dicarboxylic acid derivatives and to be dependent on the chain length. A more efficient transfer was in fact observed for compounds with a relatively long alkyl chain. In the case of shorter omega-hydroxycarboxylic and omega-dicarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl derivatives the formation of the ions at m/z 204 and 217 suffers strongly from competition from production of the ion at m/z 147.     

On the formation of the so-called arsanthrene

The structure of Kalb's “arsanthrene oxide” and “arsanthrene” have been reinvestigated. The “arsanth-rene oxide” is monomeric and is therefore properly termed 5,10-epoxy-5,10-dihydroarsanthrene(6). A spectroscopic study of “arsanthrene” revealed that this compound has the dimeric structure 12 corresponding to the photodimer of anthracene. Mechanisms of formation of dimeric “arsanthrene” and the possible dissociation of dimeric “arsanthrene” into its monomer by reaction with a dienophile at elevated temperature are discussed. An attempt to synthesize arsanthrene (7) by dehalogenation of 5,10-dichloro-5,10-dihydroarsanthrene (5) was unsuccessful. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of some 5,10-dihydroarsanthrenes are recorded.     

Fragmentation pathways of oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids and their application in the qualitative analysis of Ganoderma lucidum by multistage tandem mass spectrometry

The fragmentation pathways of oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum were systematically studied based on interpreting the mass spectra of 44 known triterpenoids using a combination of multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n)) experiments and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. In negative ion mode, the fragmentation pathways of triterpenoid acids are rather characteristic. After the prominent loss of H(2) O or CO(2), cleavages take place on the A, B, C and D rings. Interestingly, the cleavage mode is highly dependent on the positions of the carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups in the tetracyclic skeleton. Characteristic cleavage of ring A occurs in 7-oxo-11-H or 7-oxo-11-hydroxy derivatives; characteristic cleavage of ring B occurs in the 7-oxo-11-hydroxy derivatives; characteristic cleavage of ring C occurs in the 7-hydroxy-15-oxo derivatives; while the cleavage of ring D can be observed in the majority of the compounds investigated. The odd-electron species, which disobey the 'even-electron rule', are also observed and discussed in this paper. These phenomena provide an easy way to determine the tetracyclic skeleton and distinguish the isomers of the triterpenoids from each other. What is more, the fragmentation pathways of triterpenoid alcohols were also investigated in positive ion mode. The accurate masses of the product ions were determined using quadrupole orthogonal time-of-flight (QTOF) instruments. Finally, the fragmentation rules were applied to identify the components of G. lucidum. As a result, 73 triterpenoids including 11 new ones were identified. The triterpenoids were classified into six subclasses according to their different fragmentation behaviors. The application of tandem mass spectrometry was further explored.     

Mechanisms and Stereochemistry of Heterolytic Fragmentation

Heterolytic fragmentation can proceed by several mechanisms. A study of the solvolysis of γ-aminoalcohol derivatives N? C? C? C? X, where X equals halogen or ? OSO₂R, shows that fragmentation may occur by a one-step mechanism or by several multi-step mechanisms depending on structural, electronic, and steric factors. The one-step synchronous mechanism has rigorous stereoelectronic requirements. It is associated with an increased reaction rate as evidenced by the “frangomeric” effect. Ketoxime derivatives RR′C?N? X may undergo Beckmann fragmentation by the synchronous mechanism or by prior rearrangement depending on their α-substituents. Fragmentation is frequently accompanied by conventional substitution, elimination, and rearrangement reactions. Under such circumstances knowledge of all possible mechanisms of a given substrate is essential to bring about a desired transformation.     

Amino-acid sequence study in peptides by mass spectometry—III Investigation of ethyoxycarbonyl-peptide methyl esters

The utility of ethoxycarbonyl-peptide methyl esters for mass spectrometric analysis is described. The ethoxycarbonyl group has important advantages over other protecting groups which are in use. The derivatives have high intensity; this greatly facilitates the interpretation of the fragmentation pattern. The spentra of the methyl esters of the ethoxycarbonyl derivatives of pro-val, trp-gly, gly-ser, (cys)₂, glutation (GSH), glu-his-phe, val-tyr-pro and val-lys-val-tyr-pro are given.     

Electron-impact induced fragmentation of 2-substituted pyridines and picolines

The fragmentation patterns obtained upon electron impact on 2-nitro-, 2-chloro, and 2-aminopyridines, as well as those of the corresponding 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-picolines were examined. There was considerable departure from those patterns reported for the corresponding benzenoid derivatives. Although the molecular ion from 2-nitro-3-picoline did not show fragment ions attributable to an “ortho-effect” (unlike o-nitrotoluene), those from 2-chloro- and 2-amino-3-picolines did show a loss of HCl and NH₃, respectively. Quite unexpectedly the ions from 2-chloro- and 2-amino-6-picolines also lost HCl and NH₃. Such meta-eliminations for the 2-substituted-6-picolines are postulated to be preceeded by either hydrogen or methyl migration. The mass spectra of 2-pyridone, 2-pyridthione and their respective 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-methyl analogs were also studied. The primary fragmentations of the 2-pyridones were as expected from those reported in the literature. The ions from 3- and 6-methyl-2-pyridones lost water also, the former being another example of an “ortho-effect” observed in this series. Of the thiones, the fragmentations of 3-methyl-2-pyridthione proved most unique since its molecular ion showed besides the loss of HS, the pronounced elimination of H₂S, the latter presumably due to an “ortho-effect.” Figures are presented to illustrate the patterns and metastable ions are indicated when found for the transitions discussed.     

Reaktionen von Glutaminsäuredimethylester im Massenspektrometer. 21. Mitteilung über das massenspektrometrische Verhalten von Stickstoffverbindungen

The mass spectral fragmentation of dimethyl glutamate ( 1 ) and its deuterated derivatives 1a , 1b and 1c has been investigated. By loss of a methoxycarbonyl group from the molecular ion an ion of m/e 116 is generated. The latter splits off methanol (m*), the resulting fragment of m/e 84 giving raise to the base peak of the spectrum. Only part of the hydrogen transferred to the leaving group originates from thc amino group, as was suggested earlier [2] [3]. Basing on experiments with deuterated compounds we propose an additional mechanism for the reaction, i.e. hydrogen transfer from C(3) to methoxyl. The fragment generated by both processes is most likely to be a pyrrolinonium ion. Thermal side reactions in the mass spectrometer (formation of pyroglutamic acid ester) followed by fragmentation may lead to the same ion. – The mechanisms discussed are supported by the mass spectral fragmentation of N-acetyl-glutamic acid diesters 3 , 3a , 3b and 3d and of the N, N-dimethyl derivatives 4 and 4a . – The fragmentation reactions investigated are similar to some of 1,3-trimethylenediamine derivatives [7]. This means that there are parallels in the mass spectral fragmentation of difunctional compounds irrespective of the nature of the functional groups.     

Mutagenic heterocyclic nitrogen compounds related to protein pyrolysates. V. Electron impact fragmentation of L-glutamic acid and related dipyrido[1,2-a:3′,2′-d]imidazoles

Six dipyrido[1,2-a:3′,2′d]imidazole derivatives related to glutamic acid pyrolysates have been studied by mass spectrometry. The data indicate that there are certain ions which are characteristic of the fragmentation of this family of compounds under electron impact. These compounds should thus be amenable to analysis if they were produced during the combustion of foods. In addition, electronolysis of L-glutamic acid was also studied: the fragmentation pattern of the latter has shown the formation of some known dipyridoimidazoles for temperatures higher than 100°. Similarities between pyrolysis and electronolysis of this acid are discussed.     

Mass spectrometric study of selected precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents

Selected precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents namely N,N-dialkylaminoethane-2-ols, N,N-dialkylaminoethyl-2-chlorides and some of related N-quaternary salts were studied by means of electrospray ionization-multiple tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)). Proposed structures were confirmed with accurate mass measurement. General fragmentation patterns of these compounds are discussed in detail and suggested processes are confirmed using deuterated standards. The typical processes are elimination of alkene, hydrogen chloride, or water, respectively. Besides, elimination of ethene from propyl chain under specific conditions was observed and unambiguously confirmed using exact mass measurement and labelled standard. The potential of mass spectrometry to distinguish the positional isomers occurring among the studied compounds is reviewed in detail using two different MS instruments (i.e. ion trap and hybrid quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF) analyzer). A new microcolumn liquid chromatography (microLC)/MS(n) method was designed for the cases where the resolution based solely on differences in fragmentation is not sufficient. Low retention of the derivatives on reversed phase (RP) was overcome by using addition of less typical ion pairing agent (1 mM/l, 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid) to the mobile phase (mixture water : acetonitrile).     

Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of carbobenzyloxy-protected amino acids and peptides

The positive fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectra of 15 N-carbobenzyloxy derivatives of α-amino acids are presented together with those of some synthetic peptides containing other widely employed protecting groups. The data obtained allow a fragmentation pattern to be established for the N-carbobenzyloxy moiety and to obtain detailed structural information on the main fragment ions. A study of the ion current ratio vs. time pattern shows that important fragments derive from the parent protonated molecule through FAB-induced condensed-phase reactions.     

Collision-induced dissociation of a series of coumarins studied by positive- and negative-ion electrospray triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

Aryl-substituted 4-hydroxycoumarins (1-57) were investigated by electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry. Their fragmentation in the ion source or in the collision cell of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was investigated. The effect of the substituents in the aromatic ring on the fragmentation of the 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives is shown. The influence of the tautomerism on the formation of quasimolecular ions and mass spectral fragmentation was explained. Mass spectral studies on some deuterated compounds proved some of the proposed fragmentation pathways. Results obtained are very useful in the process of detection and characterisation of 4-hydroxycoumarins, as well as for structural elucidation of their more complex derivatives.     

Massenspektrometrie und ihre Anwendung auf strukturelle und stereochemische Probleme CLXVII Langkettige Wasserstoffverschiebung in der Massenspektrometrie

The mass spectral fragmentation behavior of various α-substituted tetrahydrofuran derivatives and their deuterium labeled analogs has been examined. It was established that the ester and hydroxy derivatives undergo ring fragmentation associated with long range hydrogen transfer. The mass spectra of the deuterium labeled samples provided evidence that direct hydrogen transfer takes place from positions as far as thirteen or more carbon atoms away from the oxygen function in preference to the McLafferty rearrangement. Examination of the spectra of the deuterium labeled derivatives shed further light on the mechanism of the loss of water from the molecular ion and various fragment ions.     

Mass spectral fragmentation patterns of 2-methyl-, 2,3-methyl-, 2,3-dimethyl-, 2-aryl- and 3-phenylindole derivatives

The electron impact mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways for several 2-methyl-, 3-methyl-, 2,3-dimethyl-, 2-aryl- and 3-phenylindole derivatives were investigated. An interesting relationship between the substitution pattern in the framework of the indole derivatives and the fragmentation patterns was observed.     

Multivariate statistical interpretation of coastal sediment monitoring data

Multivariate statistical analysis of sediment data (input matrix 122 × 15) collected from 122 sampling sites from the western coastline of the USA and analyzed for 15 analytes indicates that the data structure could be explained by four latent factors. These factors are conditionally named “anthropogenic”, “organic”, “natural”, and “hot spots”. They explain over 85% of the total variance of the data system, which is an acceptable value for the PCA model. The receptor models obtained after regression of the mass on the absolute principal components scores ensures reliable estimation of the contribution of each possible natural or anthropogenic source to the mass of each chemical component. It can be concluded that the region of interest reveals a different pattern of pollution compared with the eastern coastline treated statistically in a previous study.     

Declustering and fragmentation of protein ions from an electrospray ion source

A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a high pressure collision cell has been used to explore the declustering and fragmentation processes that may occur in the vacuum interface region of an electrospray or ionspray ion source. Using apomyoglobin as a model protein compound, collisional processes in Q2 were used to elucidate possible mechanisms which could occur in the orifice-skimmer region to affect the observed charge state distribution. The results indicate that charge loss or gain through collisional loss of a proton or electron does not occur; rather, higher collision energy results in better declustering of lower charge state ions, and fragmentation of higher charge state ions. The net result is an apparent shift toward lower charge state as the collision energy in the free jet region is increased. In addition, the data suggest that a mixture of heavily clustered monomers and possibly dimers and multimers are present in the expansion from ion source into vacuum, and it is this mixture which is acted on by the declustering field to produce the observed mass spectrum. The presence of these “superclusters” needs to be considered in any theory of ion desorption and transport processes in the source and interface region.