Die massenspektrometrische Fragmentierung von Neopentylpolyolestern. 1—Pentaerythrittetrafettsäureester

The fragmentation of the homologous fatty acid tetraesters of pentaerythritol (C-2 to C-14) upon electron impact was investigated. The main fragment ions are [M? RCOO]⁺ and [M? RCOOH]⁺, for which cyclic acetal structures are postulated. Subsequent fragmentation was elucidated by ‘direct analysis of daughter ion’ (DADI) measurements and high resolution measurements. Esters of branched fatty acids can be distinguished from esters of n-fatty acids by characteristic ions. Isomeric esters of n-fatty acids cannot be separated by gas chromatography but identification is also possible by mass spectrometry.     

Mass spectra of some 3-substituted coumarins

The electron impact mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways for some 3-substituted derivatives of coumarin, benzo[f]coumarin, thieno[3,2-f]coumarin, thieno[2,3-h]coumarin and azacoumarin, viz nitriles, carboxamides, thiocarboxamides and esters were investigated. The initial cleavage of the pyrone ring is found to be largely dependent on the stability, under electron impact, of the attached functional group.     

The behavior of stereoisomeric ions in the gas phase: The Case of cyclohexane-hexacarboxylic methyl esters

Not only strong differences in relative abundances of product ions, but also different fragmentation pathways are observed in the electron impact mass spectrosopy of six stereoisomeric cyclohexanehexacarboxylic methyl esters. This unusual behaviour has been studied in detail with the aid of different ionization methyods, B/E and B²/E linked scans, exact mass measurements, deuterium labelling experiments and collisionally activated decomposition spectrometry. A close analogy between the isomerization observed under acidic conditions in condensed phase and that observed under chemical ionization (CH₄) conditions is underlined.     

Preparation and properties of carboxyl-functional mixed esters of hydrolyzed starch

Mixed esters of hydrolyzed starch represent a new class of chemically modified natural polymers demonstrating a broad range of properties. Members of this class of polymers have both neutral aliphatic ester side chains and carboxyl-functional half-ester side chains. Use of hydrolyzed starch as the backbone polymer results in products that are considerably lower in molecular weight than whole starch derivatives, but which are still polymeric in character. Synthesis proceeds smoothly in pyridine using anhydrides as acylating agents and the pure solid mixed ester products are isolated by precipitation in water. Measurement of degree of substitution (D.S.) by NMR or hydrolysis characterizes the chemical composition of the polymers. The actual D.S. achieved in the synthesis depends upon the competition between starch and residual water for anhydrides, which can be quantitatively evaluated by monitoring the acid content of the reaction mixture. The T_g and T_s of starch mixed esters vary with both D. S. and length of the aliphatic ester side chain. As the composition changes from acetate—phthalate to butyrate—phthalate a T_g range of greater than 100°C is observed. Hydrolyzed starch mixed esters are hydrophobic and organic-soluble, but may be readily solubilized in aqueous base through the half-ester groups. Solutions show surface activity which varies according to the type and extent of substitution.     

Determination of phthalate esters in Chinese spirits using isotope dilution gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

Phthalate esters are additives used in polyvinylchloride and are found as contaminants in many food products. An isotope dilution mass spectrometry technique has been developed for accurate analysis of 16 phthalate esters in Chinese spirits by adopting the 16 corresponding isotope‐labeled phthalate esters. The ethanol in the spirit sample was first removed by heating with a water bath at 100°C with a stream of nitrogen, after which the residue was extracted with n‐hexane twice. The phthalates collected were identified and quantified by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The spiking recoveries of 16 analytes ranged from 94.3 to 105.3% with relative standard deviation values of <6.5%. The detection limits for 16 analytes were <10.0 ng/g. The expanded relative uncertainties were from 3.0 to 14%. A survey was performed on Chinese spirits from the market. Six of the nine analyzed samples were contaminated by phthalates. Di‐n‐butyl phthalate and di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate showed higher detection frequency and concentrations. This isotope dilution gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method is simple, rapid, accurate, and highly sensitive, which qualifies as a candidate reference method for the determination of phthalates in spirits.     

Mass spectra of halogenated esters 5—Chloromethyl esters of aliphatic C2?C12 n-carboxylic acids and their monochlorinated derivatives

A study has been made of the mass spectral fragmentation upon electron impact of aliphatic C₂? C₁₂ chloromethyl esters and all their 66 monochlorinated derivatives. The fragmentation pathways of the parent chloromethyl esters were elucidated with the aid of the 1st FFR metastable ions. A McLafferty rearrangement gives the base peak in the C₆? C₁₁ parent esters and in almost all the 4-chloro and ω-chloro isomers. The subsequent loss of HCl gives a very characteristic peak of the chloromethyl esters and their (3-ω)-chloro derivatives at m/z 72, [C₃H₄O₂]⁺. The 2-chloro isomers have the corresponding chlorine-containing fragment ion at m/z 106/108. The mass spectra of 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and ω-chloro isomers give the characteristic fragment ions, the mass spectra of the other isomers being very similar.     

Mass spectra of sterically crowded trialkylsilyl derivatives of nucleosides

The electron impact mass spectra of tert-butyldimethylsilyl-, cyclo-tetramethylene-tert-butylsilyl and cyclo-tetramethylene-isopropylsilyl- ether derivatives of ribo- and 2′-deoxyribonucleosides are described in detail. The interpretation of fragmentation pathways of full and mixed derivatives was aided by metastable ion decomposition studies, precise mass and deuterium labelling measurements, and spectra of mixed derivatives containing the ‘passive’ (in these spectra) trimethylsilyl group. The sterically crowded silyl groups have a powerful fragmentation directing effect. Elimination of a bulky radical, R˙ (tert-butyl or isopropyl), from the molecular ion produces the siliconium ion [M? R]⁺, which is the precursor for most of the other prominent ions in the spectra. These arise from ‘siliconium ion rearrangements’ resulting from the interaction of the positively charged siliconium ion center with electron dense regions (i.e. oxygens) in the molecule, to form cyclic silyloxonium ions which subsequently decompose. Since the interacting oxygen and silicon must be sterically accessible, the fragment ion types and their abundances are very dependent upon structure. Consequently, [M? R]⁺ ions formed from 2′, 3′ or 5′-O-silyl groups give rise to different sets of daughter ions which, for the most part, are not found, or have very low abundances, in the mass spectra of underivatized or trimethylsilylated nucleosides. Detailed information on sugar and base moieties and isomeric substitution is readily obtained.     

Mass spectrometry of trialkylsilyl and acyl derivatives of 2′-deoxynucleosides

The electron impact mass spectra of monosilyl and mixed acyl-silyl derivatives of 2′-deoxynucleosides are described in detail. (Silyl = tert-butyldimethylsilyl, cyclo-tetramethylene-isopropylsilyl, or cyclo-tetramethylene-tert-butylsilyl; acyl = acetyl or trifluoroacetyl.) The interpretation of the fragmentation pathways was aided by metastable ion decomposition studies, precise mass and deuterium labelling measurements. Mass spectrally, the acyl substituents are mostly ‘passive’ and have (with possibly one exception) little fragmentation directing capability. In contrast, the silyl groups have powerful fragmentation directing properties. Elimination of the bulky alkyl radical R^˙ (tert-butyl or isopropyl) from the molecular ion produces the siliconium ion, [M–R]⁺, which is the precursor for most of the other prominent ions in the spectra. These arise from ‘siliconium ion rearrangements’ resulting from the interaction of the positively charged siliconium ion centre with the electron dense regions (i.e. oxygens) in the molecule, to form cyclic silyloxonium ions which subsequently decompose. Since the interacting oxygen and silicon must be sterically accessible, the fragment ion types and their abundances are very dependent upon structure. Consequently, [M–R]⁺ ions formed from 3′- or 5′-O-silyl groups give rise to different sets of daughter ions which, for the most part, are not found, or have very low abundances, in the mass spectra of underivatized or trimethylsilylated nucleosides. Detailed information on sugar and base moieties and isomeric substitution is readily obtained.     

Electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectrometry of cyclic boronate derivatives of sphingosines and related compounds

Electron impact and isobutane chemical ionization mass spectrometric data are reported for cyclic boronate esters of sphinganine and 4-sphingenine and of the related N-ethyl, N-dimethylaminomethylene and acetone Schiff base compounds. Fragmentation of the 6-membered boronate ring is promoted by the presence of the 2-amino or 2-imino substituent and by Δ⁴ unsaturation. Evidence is presented for a transannular interaction stabilizing the ion formed by loss of the alkyl or aryl group, attached to the boron atom, in the case of the N-dimethylaminomethylene derivatives. An NH₂ migration is postulated to occur in 4-sphingenine boronates under electron impact. Mass spectrometric data are also reported for 4D-hydroxysphinganine bis-boronates.     

Electron impact induced intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions in polymethylene glycol di-p-toluenesulfonates

The mechanisms of formation of the ionized acid and the protonated acid fragments in the electron impact induced fragmentation of the title compounds were investigated. The well known mechanisms of hydrogen transfer through mono- and bicyclic transition states that occur in the molecular ions of carboxylic esters are not the main pathways giving rise to these fragments. The major component of the m/z 172 peak corresponding formally to ionized p-toluenesulfonic acid in fact has a different structure; its formation involves a complex mechanism including a double hydrogen transfer reaction.     

Analytical method for urinary metabolites as biomarkers for monitoring exposure to phthalates by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, have been detected in indoor air, but there have been few reports on methods of analyzing urinary metabolites as biomarkers to monitor exposure to di‐n ‐pentyl phthalate or di‐n ‐hexyl phthalate. Presented here is a cost‐effective and sensitive analytical method for the determination of urinary metabolites of phthalates containing these two compounds. Nine urinary phthalate metabolites were enzymatically hydrolyzed and extracted with toluene: monomethyl phthalate, monoethyl phthalate, monoisobutyl phthalate, mono‐n‐ butyl phthalate, mono‐n‐ pentyl phthalate, mono‐n‐ hexyl phthalate, monocyclohexyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate and mono(2‐ethyl‐5‐carboxypentyl) phthalate. After transformation to their tert‐ butyldimethylsilyl derivatives, they were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the electron impact ionization mode. The calibration curves for the metabolites were linear at urinary concentrations of up to 30 μg/L, showing that they could be determined accurately and precisely (detection limits 0.1–0.4 μg/L, quantification limits 0.3–1.3 μg/L). The urine samples collected could be stored for up to 1 month at −20°C. The proposed analytical method was used to examine urine samples from seven healthy volunteers. This method should be useful for monitoring phthalate exposure in the general population.     

High‐performance liquid chromatography separation of phthalate acid esters with a MIL‐53(Al)‐packed column

In this study, a MIL‐53(Al)‐packed column was successfully prepared and firstly applied to separate phthalate acid esters (butyl benzyl phthalate, di‐n‐butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, and dimethyl phthalate). Their baseline separation could be achieved within 12 min with a mobile phase of methanol/H₂O ratio at 92:8, and the temperature and flow rate was 40°C and 0.6 mL/min, respectively. The stacking effect and electrostatic force were the key factors in the separation. Moreover, there was a substantial linear relation between the peak height, peak area, and the analyte mass, and the relative standard deviations of retention time, peak height, peak area, and half peak width for five replicate separations of the analytes were within the ranges 0.31–0.88%, 0.72–1.52%, 1.33–1.53%, and 0.46–0.95%, respectively. The results of the calculation of the thermodynamics parameters showed that the separation of phthalate acid esters was controlled by both enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS).     

Mass spectra of halogenated esters. 7. Methyl esters of 2-chloro C2?C20 n-alkanoic acids

The mass spectral fragmentation of a homologous series of methyl esters of 2-chloro n-alkanoic acids ranging from acetic (C₂) to eicosanoic (C₂₀) acid on electron impact has been investigated. The fragmentation pathways were elucidated with the aid of the first field-free region metastable ions, the results being presented with one compound, i.e. with ionized methyl 2-chloro-octauoate. Owing to the Cl/H exchanges and to the formation of the non-chlorinated parent esters prior to the fragmentations the spectra show the peak pairs with and without the chlorine atom. The effects become more evident with increasing chain length; shown most visually by the abundance ratios of the McLafferty rearrangement ions atm/z108/110 and 74, and fragments at m/z121/123 and 87.     

Fragmentation Mechanism of Trans—α—Aryl—β—enamino Esters

Electron impact-induced fragmentation mechanism of Trans-α-Aryl-β-enamino esters were investigated using mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrometry and high resolution accurate mass data It was found that the main characteristic fragmentations of compounds studied were:an odd electron ion M^ -EtOH was formed by losing a neutral molecule of ethanol;and the skeletal rearrangements took place;and the ring opening reaction happened after losing a carbon monoxide;and the typical McLafferty rearrangement underwent in ester group.The cycliztion reation caused by losing neutral molecule of TsNH2 due to the ortho-effects of substituted group of gromatic ring was also observed.     

Solid‐phase extraction based on chloromethylated polystyrene magnetic nanospheres followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to determine phthalate esters in beverages

An ultrasound‐assisted magnetic solid‐phase extraction procedure with chloromethylated polystyrene‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanospheres as magnetic adsorbents has been developed to determine eight phthalate esters (bis(4‐methyl‐2‐pentyl) phthalate, dipentyl phthalate, dihexyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2‐butoxyethyl) phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, di‐n‐octyl phthalate, and dinonyl phthalate) simultaneously in beverage samples, in combination with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the first time. Several factors related to magnetic solid‐phase extraction efficiencies, such as amount of adsorbent, extracting time, ionic strength, and desorption conditions were investigated. The enrichment factors of the method for the eight analytes were over 2482. A good linearity was observed in the range of 10–500 ng/L for bis(2‐butoxyethyl) phthalate and 2–500 ng/L for the other phthalate esters with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9980 to 0.9998. The limits of detection and quantification for the eight phthalate esters were in the range of 0.20–2.90 and 0.67–9.67 ng/L, respectively. The mean recoveries at three spiked levels were 75.8–117.7%, the coefficients of variations were <11.6%. The proposed method was demonstrated to be a simple and efficient technique for the trace analysis of the phthalate esters in beverage samples.     

Mass spectral characteristics of the sulfur-containing ketoxime carbamates thiofanox and metabolites

Deuterium labeling and high resolution mass spectroscopy have been used to determine the modes of electron impact fragmentation of 3,3-dimethyl-1-methylthio-2-butanone O-[(methylamino)carbonyl]oxime, thiofanox and its metabolites, the sulfoxide and sulfone. The mass spectra of the corresponding oximes were also examined. The carbamates fragmented chiefly by two competing pathways—the loss of CH₃N?C? O or the sulfur-containing moiety. The favored process was dependent on the oxidation state at sulfur. Several unusual rearrangements were noted.     

Stereochemical applications of mass spectrometry. II—Chemical ionization mass spectra of isomeric dicarboxylic acids and derivatives

The H₂ and CH₄, chemical ionization mass spectra of the cis dicarboxylic acids, maleic and citraconic acid, show much more extensive loss of H₂O from [MH]⁺ than the trans isomers, fumaric acid and mesaconic acid. Similarly, esters of maleic acid show a much more facile loss of ROH (R=alkyl or phenyl) from [MH]⁺ than do esters of fumaric acid. Similar differences are observed in the chemical ionization mass spectra of the isomeric phthalic and isophthalic acids and derivatives, where the ortho isomers show more extensive fragmentation of [MH]⁺ than the meta isomers. The facile fragmentation of [MH]⁺ for the cis and ortho isomers is attributed to ROH elimination involving interaction between the two carboxylate functions and forming the stable cyclic anhydride structure for the fragment ion. By contrast ROH elimination from [MH]⁺ for the trans and metu isomers requires a symmetry-forbidden [1,3]-H migration in the carboxyl protonated species and cannot lead to the cyclic anhydride structure. The chemical ionization mass spectra of cis and trans cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acids are essentially identical and show extensive fragmentation of the [IMH]⁺ ion. Experiments using deuterium labelling show extensive carboxyl group interactions for both isomers. The chemical ionization mass spectra of maleanilic and phthalanilic acids and of the related anhydrides and imides also are reported, as are the electron impact mass spectra of diphenyl maleate, diphenyl fumarate, diphenyl phthalate, maleanilic acid and phthalanilic acid.     

New application of chitosan‐grafted polyaniline in dispersive solid‐phase extraction for the separation and determination of phthalate esters in milk using high‐performance liquid chromatography

Chitosan‐grafted polyaniline was synthesized and applied as a sorbent for the preconcentration of phthalate esters in dispersive solid‐phase extraction. By coupling dispersive solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and response surface methodology (central composite design), a reliable, sensitive, and cost‐effective method for simultaneous determination of phthalate esters including dimethyl phthalate, di‐n‐butyl phthalate, and di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate was developed. The morphology of sorbent had been studied by scanning electron microscopy and its chemical structure confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Under optimum condition, good linearity was observed in the range of 5.0–5000.0 ng/mL. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were 0.1–0.3 and 0.3–1 ng/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviations were less than 8.8%. Finally, this procedure was employed for extraction of trace amounts of phthalic acid esters in milk samples, the relative recoveries ranged from 82 to 103%.     

Highly efficient high‐performance liquid chromatographic separation of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters on a homemade DUT‐67(Zr) packed column

In this study, the baseline separations of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters on a homemade DUT‐67(Zr) packed column were achieved, respectively. The high selectivity for xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters was obtained with the increase in temperature and decrease in the retention time. The hydrophobicity of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters resulted in the different separation time on the DUT‐67(Zr) packed column. The relative standard deviation values of retention time, peak area, peak height, and half peak width for five repeat separation of the xylene isomers were 0.26–0.35, 2.11–2.26, 1.51–2.03, and 0.29–0.77%, and the values of the phthalate acid esters on DUT‐67(Zr) column were 0.1–0.4, 4.4–5.2, 3.9–6.3, and 0.6–2.1%, respectively. The thermodynamic properties indicated that the separation of xylene isomers was controlled by ΔH and ΔS, but the separation of phthalate acid esters was mainly controlled by ΔS.     

Simultaneous determination of 22 phthalate esters in polystyrene food‐contact materials by ultra‐performance convergence chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the determination of 22 phthalate esters in polystyrene food‐contact materials has been established using ultraperformance convergence chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In this method, 22 phthalate esters were analyzed in <3.5 min on an ACQUITY Tours 1‐AA column by gradient elution. The mobile phase, the compensation solvent, the flow rate of mobile phase, column temperature, and automatic back pressure regulator pressure were optimized, respectively. There was a good linearity of 20 phthalate esters with a range of 0.05–10 mg/L, diisodecyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate were 0.25–10 mg/L, and the correlation coefficients of all phthalates were higher than 0.99 and those of 16 phthalates were higher than 0.999. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification of 15 phthalates were 0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg, meanwhile diallyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, di‐n‐butyl phthalate, and di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate were 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg, and diisodecyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate were 0.10 and 0.25 mg/kg. The spiked recoveries were in the range of 76.26–107.76%, and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.78–12.10%. Results support this method as an efficient alternative to apply for the simultaneous determination of 22 phthalate esters in common polystyrene food‐contact materials.