Facile assignment of sequence ions of a peptide labelled with 18O at the carboxyl terminus.

The combination of collision-induced dissociation (CID) and linked-scan analysis was used for analysing the sequence ions from the precursor ion of a peptide, which had been labelled with 18O at its carboxyl terminus (C-terminus) using 40 atom % H2 18O. The CID and linked-scan mass spectrum of the labelled peptide gave two series of sequence-ion signals: the one, originating from the C-terminus of the labelled peptide, showed a doublet signal due to the part-incorporation of 18O into the carboxyl group at the C-terminus, while the other, originating from the amino terminus (N-terminus), has the natural isotopic ion distribution. From the distribution of the isotopic ions in a single CID spectrum, the sequence ions containing the C-terminus could be readily differentiated from those containing the N-terminus, allowing the facile assignment of sequence ions to the amino-acid sequence of a peptide by CID and linked-scan analysis. This method was successfully applied to determination of the amino-acid sequence of the light-chain of mouse anti-porphyrin monoclonal antibody.     

Mechanism of ionization and initial fragmentation in electron impact mass spectra of 3-halogenobenzanthrones

Electron-impact mass spectra of 3-halogenobenzanthrones (halogen X = Cl, Br, I) were measured and ionization efficiency curves and three kinds of linked-scan spectra were obtained for several fragment ions. The fundamental mechanisms of ionization and initial fragmentation were interpreted by the penetration length of an impacting electron or the density distribution on the molecular surface of a rejected electron and its orbital energy. The apparent ionization energy (IE) of a singly charged molecular ion seems to be the lower one of non-bonding electrons on O or X, and that of a doubly charged molecular ion the sum of three terms, the IE of non-bonding electron on O, that on X and the electrostatic repulsion between two positive charges. Two competing pathways of decomposition from the molecular ion M^+· to an ion [M - CO,- X]⁺ were observed: one is the initial detachment of CO in chloro and bromo compounds and the other is the initial elimination of the iodine atom in the iodo compound. The sequence of these reactions was confirmed by metastable ion analysis with linked-scan spectra and the relative magnitudes of the appearance energies. They can be explained by the driving force of a localized positive charge or unpaired electron on a heteroatom.     

Assignment of isomeric hydroxyhydantoins: Linked-scan,tandem and high-resolution studies

The mass spectral fragmentation of hydroxyhydantoins was studied by a combination of high-resolution, linked-scan and collisionally activated decomposition (CAD) experiments. This endeavor resulted in the structural assignment of four pairs of synthetic hydroxyhydantoin isomers. A key feature in differentiating l-methyl-3- aryl-5-hydroxy-2,4-imidazolidinediones from 1-aryl-3-methyl-5-hydroxy-2,4-imidazolidinediones is that under electron ionizarion (EI) conditions only the 1-methyl-3-aryl-5-hydroxy-2,4-imidazolidinediones yield the [MeNHCHO]⁺˙ ion. The analogous [ArNHCHO]⁺˙ ion (where Ar is the aryl group) was present in the EI spectra of both isomers and its origins are explained by the linked-scan and CAD experiments performed.     

Differentiation of isomeric 1-, 3- and 7-deazaadenosines by electron ionization mass spectrometry

The low and high resolution electron ionization mass spectra of 1-deazaadenosine, 3-deazaadenosine and 7-deazaadenosine are reported. Fragmentation pathways and ion structures are proposed with the aid of linked-scan, daughter-ion spectra. Results indicate that the N-3 position of the purine ring serves as an important acceptor site in fragmentation processes involving hydrogen transfer from the sugar to the base. A mixture analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of adenosine, 1-, 3- and 7-deazaadenosine by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is also described.     

High-Capacity Ion Trap Coupled to a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer for Comprehensive Linked Scans with no Scanning Losses

A high-capacity ion trap coupled to a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer has been developed to carry out comprehensive linked scan analysis of all stored ions in the ion trap. The approach involves a novel tapered geometry high-capacity ion trap that can store more than 10(6) ions (range 800-4000 m/z) without degrading its performance. Ions are stored and scanned out from the high-capacity ion trap as a function of m/z, collisionally fragmented and analyzed by TOF. Accurate mass analysis is achieved on both the precursor and fragment ions of all species ejected from the ion trap. We demonstrate the approach for comprehensive linked-scan identification of phosphopeptides in mixtures with their corresponding unphosphorylated peptides.     

Cycloreversal reaction and ortho interactions in 2-aryl-4H-3, 1-benzoxazin-4-ones on electron impact

A cycloreversal reaction, leading to aroyl cations, is the major process in 2-aryl-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones under electron impact conditions. The ortho interaction of the methoxy and the nitro groups in the 2-phenyl moieties in these compounds present the most abundant ions at m/z 119 and 134, respectively, in their mass spectra as a result of the transfer of a hydrogen atom from the former and an oxygen atom from the latter to the imine nitrogen of the heterocycle. The ion structures and the mechanisms for the proposed fragmentations are based on high-resolution data, B/E and B²/E linked-scan spectra, collision-activated decomposition–B-/E linked-scan spectra and deuterium labelling.     

Ortho effects in organic molecules on electron impact: 21—Oxygen transfers from the ortho nitro group to sulphur in N-aryl-2-nitrobenzenesulphenamides and phenyl-2-nitrophenyl disulphide

Fragment ions arising as a result of oxygen transfers from the nitro group to sulphur have been noticed in N-aryl-2-nitrobenzenesulpbenamides and phenyl-2-nitrophenyl disulphide. In the case of the former a double oxygen transfer to the sulphur has been noticed in the molecular ion whilst a single oxygen transfer to the β-sulphur atom and a double oxygen transfer to the α-sulphur atom have been observed in the latter. The proposed fragmentations are confirmed by high-resolution data, B/E linked-scan spectra and chemical substitution.     

Fast atom bombardment mass spectra of iodonium salts

Positive-ion fast atom bombardment mass spectra and linked-scan tandem mass spectra were measured for aromatic iodonium salts. The mass spectra usually contain the intact cation of the iodonium salt as the base peak, fragment ions of lower abundance resulting from simple cleavages or rearrangements, and a characteristic loss of atomic iodine. High-level semi-empirical calculations suggest that an obtuse ring? I⁺? ring angle facilitates loss of atomic iodine through concomitant ring? to? ring bond formation.     

Electron impact-induced fragmentation of 2,1-benzisothiazoline 2,2-dioxide

The electron impact-induced fragmentation patterns of 2,1-benzisothiazoline 2,2-dioxide nitro derivatives were studied. The rationalizations proposed for the fragmentations are supported by accurate mass measurements, daughter ion (mass analysed ion kinetic energy and B/E linked-scan), parent ion, and constant neutral loss spectra in metastable and collision-induced dissociation modes and deuterium labelling.     

A McLafferty rearrangement in an even-electron system: C3H6 elimination from the α-cleavage product of tri-n-butylamine

It is shown by deuterium labelling, linked-scan measurements and collision activation that the [M-C₃H₇˙]⁺ (α-cleavage) ion in the electron impact ionization spectrum of tributylamine loses C₃H₆ with transfer of one hydrogen specifically from the γ-position. The experimental data point towards a mechanism which involves the intermediate formation of a distonic diradical ion from an excited α-cleavage ion which then eliminates the neutral alkene.     

Ortho effects in organic molecules on electron impact. 14—Concerted and stepwise ejections of SO2 and N2 from N-arylidene 2-nitrobenzenesulphenamides

Unexpected ortho interaction of the nitro group has been noticed during the mass spectral fragmentations of N-arylidene 2-nitrobenzenesulphenamides, where the molecular ions expel SO₂ and N₂ both in concerted and stepwise processes. Loss of a hydrogen or the substituent from this fragment leads to a very abundant ion in all the compounds studied. Based on chemical evidence and linked-scan studies, a 1,2-phenylenetropylium cation structure has been postulated for the [M–SO₂–N₂–H/substituent]⁺ ion.     

Electron ionization mass spectrometry as a tool for the investigation of the ortho effect in fragmentation of some Schiff bases derived from amphetamine analogs

The electron ionization-induced fragmentation patterns of three forensically relevant Schiff bases, originating from the condensation between 2-, 3- and 4-methoxyamphetamine and the corresponding ketones, were studied. The proposed fragmentation routes and ion structures are supported by high-resolution data and B/E linked-scan and mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy spectra. The rationalization of the ortho effect, which is responsible for the formation of the [M-OCH3] fragment in the case of the imine bearing ortho-substituted methoxy group, is given.     

Electron impact mass spectral study of thiodiglycollic acid and its ester and amide derivatives: Mechanism of loss of H2O from thiodiglycollic acid

The mechanism of H₂O loss from the molecular ion of thiodiglycollic acid is elucidated with the aid of collision-induced dissociation and deuteration experiments. These studies show that the predominant pathway for the H₂O loss involves the carboxy- and γ-methylene interaction. The fragmentation behaviour of ester and amide derivatives of thiodiglycollic acid deduced by linked-scan and high-resolution techniques is described.     

Mass spectra of some 1-(6′-substituted-4′-methyl-2′-quinolyl)-3-methylpyrazol-5-ols and their 4-substituted analogues

Electron impact induced fragmentation of some 1-(6′-substituted-4′-metbyI-2′-quinolyI)-3-methylpyrazoI-5-ols follows a route where the pyrazole moiety is preferentially cleaved with successive losses of two moieties of 41 u. High-resolution measurements have established that the first loss is due to the ?₂HO moiety, which necessitates an intramolecular hydrogen transfer followed by ring fission. The resultant ion loses CH₃CN in a subsequent step. The origin of many fragment ions was traced with the use of B/E linked-scan spectra.     

Mass spectrometry of pancuronium bromide and related quaternary ammonium steroids using the moving belt LC/MS interface

Pancuronium and vecuronium are members of a series of quaternary ammonium steroids used as neuromuscular blocking agents in anesthesiology. In this study the mass spectrometric properties of these bromide salts are examined and spectral features which permit their differentiation are evaluated. The relative merits of chemical ionization and fast atom bombardment using the moving belt liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry interface have been investigated. Fragmentation pathways for both ionization methods were determined with deuterium labeling and linked-scan techniques. Cleaner spectra can be obtained via the matrix-free belt introduction system as compared to conventional fast atom bombardment.     

Mass spectra of some 1-substituted-4-acetoacetyl-3-methylpyrazol-5-ols

The fragmentation of 1-phenyl-, l-(2′-pyridyl)- and 1-(4′-methyl-2′-quinolyl)-4-acetoacetyI-3-methyIpyrazol-5-ols (compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively) on electron impact has been studied and the major processes interpreted. The common feature in the mass spectra of these compounds is the loss of ketene, acetonyl radical, acetone and two molecules of ketene from the molecular ion. Whereas the ion generated after the last process, which corresponds to 1-substituted-3-methyIpyrazol-5-ols, loses methyl cyanide in the case of 1, similar ions in the case of 2 and 3 lose ?₂HO moiety, necessitating an intramolecular hydrogen transfer followed by ring fission and subsequent loss of methyl cyanide. All these and other related processes have been substantiated with the help of accurate mass measurements of the fragment ions and B/E linked-scan spectra.     

Charge-remote fragmentation during FAB-CAD-B/E linked-scan mass spectrometry of aminoethyl-triphenylphosphonium derivatives of fatty acids

The carboxyl group of fatty acids is derivatized by aminoethyl triphenylphosphonium (AETPP) bromide. Fast atom bombardment (FAB) collision-activated dissociation (CAD) B/E linked-scan mass spectrometry of these fixed-charge derivatives shows typical charge-remote fragmentation (CRF). Locations of various structural modifications in fatty acids can be recognized easily from CAD spectra of the AETPP derivatives. Because the triphenylphosphonium group localizes positive charge in the molecule, and because a key requirement for CRF is a tightly localized charge site, these preionized molecules fragment under FAB-CAD conditions more effectively than other derivatives that involve ionic bonding with metal cations or protonation of basic sites. Thus, CAD of AETPP derivatives is likely to produce more structurally informative spectra and provide an opportunity to gain additional under-standing of the CRF process. The most profound difference between the AETPP derivatives and other cations in positive mode FAB-CAD-B/E-MS is reflected in the substantial improvement of detection limits for the AETPP derivatives over those for the metal cation adducts. For several fatty acids (C₁₀-C₂₂) tested, the detectability can be enhanced by one to two orders of magnitude when the analysis is performed on the AETPP derivative. In addition, for the analysis of fatty acid mixtures, the FAB mass spectrum of AETPP derivatives produces a relative intensity of the molecular ion peak for each component of the mixture that more closely represents its mole fraction than does that of metal ion adducts.     

Ortho effects in organic molecules on electron impact. Part 16. Novel oxygen transfers from the nitro group to acetylenic carbons in 2-nitrodiphenylacetylenes

Oxygen transfers to both acetylene carbons are noticed in parallel fragmentation pathways during the electron impact induced decompositions of 2-nitrodiphenylacetylene. The oxygen transfer to β-acetylenic carbon leads to the most abundant ion corresponding to benzoyl cation while transfer to the α-acetylenic carbon affords less intense fragments corresponding to [M? OH]⁺, [M? CO]^{+ ˙} and [M? CO₂]^{+ ˙}. The proposed fragmentation pathways and ion structures are supported by high-resolution data, linked-scan spectra and chemical substitution.     

Fragmentation of trimethylsilyl derivatives of 2-alkoxyphenols: A further violation of the ‘even-electron rule’

The mass spectra of trimethylsilyl (TMS) ethers of 2-methoxyphenols show abundant [M–30]⁺˙ ions originating from consecutive loss of two methyl radicals. This is illustrated by comparison of the accurate mass-measured and linked-scan spectra of the TMS derivatives of 2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid methyl ester (ferulic acid methyl ester) with those of the TMS derivatives of phenol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid methyl ester (p-coumaric acid methyl ester), 3-methoxyphenol and 4-methoxyphenol. This distinctive ortho effect is valuable in the identification of isomeric phenolic compounds. In the spectra of the TMS derivatives of 2-ethoxyphenol and 2-propoxyphenol the sequential loss of two radicals is less pronounced, because elimination of the side-chain and a methyl group with rearrangement and hydrogen migration is competitive.     

Mass spectral fragmentation pathways in nitramines. A collision-induced dissociation study

A collision-induced dissociation (CID) study of five synthesized nitramines was carried out using a hybrid EBQQ mass spectrometer. CID spectra were obtained in two modes: B/E linked-scan mode and MS/MS mode using the EB sector combination as the first mass spectrometer and the QQ as collision cell and second mass spectrometer, respectively. Fragmentation pathways of the compounds were determined in the electron-impact mode. It was found that dominant fragmentation pathways included the loss of OH, NO₂ and HNO₂ in addition to the loss of CH₂NNO and CH₂NNO₂.