Positive chemical ionization mass spectra of polycyclic chlorinated pesticides

Methane chemical ionization (CI) mass spectra for a series of ten polycyclic chlorinated insecticides and metabolites have been examined. In all cases except heptachlor epoxide the base peak corresponded to elimination of Cl, or OH from the molecule ion. In the spectrum of heptachlor epoxide the [M + H]⁺ and [M ? Cl]⁺ clusters were of approximately equal intensity. The CI spectra were remarkably simple, invariably less complex than the corresponding electron-impact (EI) mass spectra and the intensity of the ions with high information content, e.g. [M ? CI]⁺ was uniformly high. All of these features are important to the analytical potential of these studies. Retro Diels-Alder (RDA) fragments were observed for the chlordanes, aldrin, isodrin, nonachlor and heptachlor epoxide. The reported preliminary data suggest that the relative intensity of RDA ions in CI mass spectra may be useful in establishing molecular configurations.     

Regioselectivity of the oxygen addition-induced dechlorination of PCBS and DDT metabolites in electron capture mass spectrometry

The electron capture mass spectra of 28 ³⁵Cl-labeled polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 4 ³⁷Cl-labeled 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) metabolites were obtained by using a 20% oxygen in methane mixture as the reagent gas. The degree of regioselectivity of the PCB oxygen addition-induced dechlorination reaction was determined by measurement of the residual amount of label in the M-19 ions produced by addition of O₂ and subsequent loss of OCl from the molecule. Chlorine was lost in a random manner from the PCBs, contrary to the dechlorination reaction observed when methane alone was used. For the DDT metabolites, many dechlorination reactions were observed in addition to the one that generated the M-19 ions. Loss of Cl, loss of Cl₂, and addition of O₂ with the loss of one or two HCl molecules also were seen. These various dechlorination reactions involved only the aliphatic chlorines. Addition of O₂ followed by loss of Cl at the beta position of 2,2-bis(4-³⁷Cl-chlorophenyl)-1-chloroethylene and 2,2-bis(4-³⁷Cl-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene may be due to the ability of the diphenyl methane moiety to stabilize the intermediates. Formation of an ion that corresponds to 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone also was observed for three of these labeled DDT metabolites.     

Reactivity of polychlorophenylmercury compounds with 1,10-phenanthroline

The action of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) on the THF solutions of RHgCl (R = 2,5-C₆H₃Cl₂; 2,3,4? and 2,4,6-C₆H₂Cl₃; 2,3,4,5?, 2,3,4,6?, and 2,3,5,6-C₄HCl₄ and C₆Cl₅) gives RHgCl (phen) when R contains two chlorine substituents in ortho (R = 2,4,6-C₆H₂Cl₃; 2,3,4,6?, and 2,3,5,6-C₆HCl₄ and C₆Cl₅), but the symmetrisation reaction occurs when R = 2,5-C₆H₃Cl₂; 2,3,4-C₆H₂Cl₃ and 2,3,4,5-C₆HCl₄. The action of phen on HgR₂ only gives HgR₂ (phen) when R = 2,3,4,5-C₆HCl₄. Compounds of the type RHgMe do not react with phen. These results indicate that steric citects are as important as the electronegativity of R in the formation of tetracoordinated mercury compounds.     

The gas enhanced negative ion mass spectra of polychloroanisoles

Methane or a methane–oxygen mixture was used as an enhancement gas to obtain negative ion mass spectra of polychloroanisoles. Dichloroanisoles did not react with oxygen but the more highly chlorinated anisoles did. Compounds with hydrogen ortho to the methoxy group had [M? 1]^? ions, while others gave . The fragment arose through loss of an ortho chlorine and amethyl hydrogen. The loss of HCl followed by oxygen displacement of a remaining ortho or para chlorine produced [M? 55]^? ions; the para position was the preferred site of displacement. Another ion-molecule reaction with oxygen leads to [M? CH₂Cl]^?. The fragmentations resemble those of chlorinated aromatics such as the polychlorodibenzodioxins.     

Formation of an unusual MH− ion in the methane negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectra of chlorprothixene and aromatic sulfur compounds

The methane negative-ion chemical ionization (NCI) mass spectrum of chlorprothixene shows an unusual MH^? ion. This ion can be accounted for by electron capture followed by H˙ transfer from the reagent gas. The most probable site of electron attachment was concluded to be related to the sulfur atom of the thioxanthene ring based on the observation of analogous ions for structurally related compounds, all containing a heterocyclic sulfur. The MH^? ion observed with methane as the reagent gas was shifted to MD^? when tetradeuteromethane was used in place of methane. The ratio of [M ? H]^? to MH^? did not change with emission current suggesting that the process is independent of the radical concentration in the CI plasma. Consistent with this observation is the lack of CH₃˙ or C₂H₅˙ adduct ions in the NCI mass spectrum and the fact that gold-plating the ion source did not decrease the proportion of MH^?. Also, this mechanism is consistent with thermochemical considerations of reactions of a phenyl radical with various alkanes and observations of ions formed by methane NCI from model compounds. Therefore, unlike other MH^? ions observed in methane NCI mass spectra, the mechanism of formation does not appear to involve a hydrogen radical addition followed by electron capture.     

Chlorine K shell photoabsorption spectra of gas phase HCl and Cl2 molecules

High resolution photoabsorption spectra of HCl and Cl₂ have been measured near the chlorineK edge in the 2810–2850 eV photon energy range. Below the ClK edge, the strongest resonance is interpreted as a simple core excitation into the unoccupied σ* valence orbital for both molecules, leading to a markedly repulsive state. Higher resonances due to low lying Rydberg states, are observed in both systems, but with a larger oscillator strength for HCl as compared to Cl₂. In Cl₂, the σ* orbital is deep enough to avoid any mixing with Rydberg orbitals. In HCl, we observe the dipole forbidden Cl 1s → 4s transition which denotes a strong 4s–4p hybridization. Above the ClK edge, the multiplet features seen for HCl are analysed in terms of double-core-valence excited vacancy states. In Cl₂, their counterpart are found very close to the ionization threshold because of the deep σ* orbital and possibly because the excited core and valence electrons originates either from the same atomic site or from different ones.     

Reactions of water vapor or molecular hydrogen with trichloroethylene in a microwave plasma reactor

The reaction of trichloroethylene (C₂HCl₃) with water vapor or molecular hydrogen has been studied in a low-pressure [ca. 5 Torr (0.67 kPa)] microwave plasma tubular flow reactor. The experimental apparatus included feed introduction systems, a microwave plasma reactor, and full product analysis by flame ionization and thermal-conductivity gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and specific ion or pH detection for hydrogen chloride [HCl]. Conversions of C₂HCl₃ in the range 50 to almost 100% are achieved. Product analyses indicate conversion to HCl, some light hydrocarbons, nonparent chlorocarbons, and soot C_(s). For the H₂O case, carbon monoxide and trace carbon dioxide were produced in place of some light hydrocarbons and C_(s). At least 85 mole % of chlorine (Cl) from the converted parent C₂HCl₃ forms thermodynamically stable HCl at parent conversions of 80% or more. The remaining chlorine was present as nonparent chlorocarbons. Preliminary kinetic analyses were performed. The global reaction in the plasma was found to follow one-half-order kinetic dependence on each of C₂HCl₃ and H₂O or H₂. Elementary plasma reaction mechanisms are presented to account for C₂HCl₃ conversion and the observed product distribution.     

Studies in chemical ionization mass spectrometry: 17-hydroxy steroids

The chemical ionization mass spectra of several hydroxy steroids were obtained using methane as the reactant gas. The spectra are much less complex than the electron ionization spectra and little fragmentation of the steroid nucleus is observed. The major fragment ions involve the loss of water from [M + H]⁺. A 3-keto group in the steroids was characterized by an abundant [M + C₂H₅]⁺ ion. 5α- and 5β-Dihydrotestosterone could be distinguished by their spectra, with H₂ as the reactant gas by marked differences in amounts of [M + H]⁺, [M + H ? H₂O]⁺ and [M + H ? 2H₂O]⁺. Substituted 3α-X-, 17 β-ol compounds, (X = Cl, Br) were also studied to obtain relative amounts of protonation at these sites.     

Molecular structure of vinylphosphine derivatives. Electron diffraction study of Cl2P−CH=CR2 (R=H,Me)

Internal rotation about the P?C bonds in the Cl₂PCH=CH₂ and Cl₂PCH=CMe₂ molecules is diseussed. It is shown that the cis (with eclipsed C=C bonds and lone electron pair of the phosphorus atom) and eclipsed conformers of the Cl₂PCH=CH₂ molecule are in equilibrium. The geometrical parameters and conformation compositions are refined. The content of the cis conformer is 40%. The Cl?P?C=C torsion angles are ±128.5° for the cis conformer and ?29.6 and ?132.6° for the eclipsed conformer. The Cl₂PCH=CMe₂ molecule occurs only in the cis form. For Cl₂PCH=CMe₂, the geometrical parameters are as follows: bond lengths C?H=1.124(11), C=C=1.322(8), P?C=1.789(3), and P?Cl=2.042(2) Å; bong angles (deg) C?P?Cl=99.1(4), Cl?P?Cl=99.6(6), C=C?CH₃=120.1 and 125.7, and P?C=C=122.3(9); torsion angles Cl?P?C=C=±129.3(3).     

Sulfur and chlorine K-shell x-ray absorption spectra of SCl2, S2Cl2, SOCl2, and SO2Cl2

The X-ray absorption spectra of dichlorosulfide (SCl₂), dichlorodisulfide (S₂Cl₂), thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) and sulfuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂) have been recorded with synchrotron radiation in the regions of S 1s and Cl 1s excitation and ionization. Ionization current spectra of SOCl₂ and SO₂Cl₂ in the Cl 1s regions are also presented. The main spectral features are assigned to K-shell excitations to σ^* orbitals associated with the SCl, SS and SO bonds in these molecules.     

Theoretical investigation of the halogen bonded complexes between carbonyl bases and molecular chlorine

The halogen bonded complexes between six carbonyl bases and molecular chlorine are investigated theoretically. The interaction energies calculated at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level range between ?1.61 and ?3.50 kcal mol^?1. These energies are related to the ionization potential, proton affinity, and also to the most negative values (V_s,min) on the electrostatic potential surface of the carbonyl bases. A symmetry adapted perturbation theory decomposition of the energies has been performed. The interaction results in an elongation of the Cl? Cl bond and a contraction of the CF and CH bonds accompanied by a blue shift of the ν(CH) vibrations. The properties of the Cl₂ molecules are discussed as a function of the σ*(Cl? Cl) occupation, the hybridization, and the occupation of the Rydberg orbitals of the two chlorine atoms. Our calculations predict a large enhancement of the infrared and Raman intensities of the ν(Cl? Cl) vibration on going from isolated to complexed Cl₂. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Electron impact mass spectra of chlorinated methyl propanoates

The mass spectral fragmentations of all eleven chlorinated methyl propanoates have been studied. Deuterium labelling and metastable ion analysis were used to elucidate the fragmentation mechanism. The molecular ion peaks of all compounds are small, except methyl 3,3-dichloropanoate (38%). In most cases α-cleavage gives the base peak [COOCH₃]⁺, and the loss of a chlorine atom from the molecular ion is characteristic of the 3-chloro, 3,3-dichloro and 3,3,3-trichloro compounds. Metastable ions showed the losses of small neutral molecules such as CH₃OH, CH₂CO, CO₂ and CO from the [M? Cl]⁺ ion. α-Cleavage and the loss of Cl^˙ gives an intense [M? COOCH₃? Cl]^+˙ peak, which is the base peak in the spectra of the 2,3-dichloro and 2,3,3-trichloro compounds.     

Halocarbons in Aqueous matrices from the Rennick Glacier and the Ross Sea (Antarctica)

Aqueous matrices from Antarctica were analysed for three volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (VCHCs): tetrachloromethane (CCl₄), trichloroethylene (C₂HCl₃) and tetrachloroethylene (C₂Cl₄). The matrices analysed were snow from Rennick Nèvè and Rennick Glacier sampled during the Italian Expeditions of 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively, and seawater, pack ice, sea-microlayer, subsuperficial water and freshwater, collected during the Italian Expedition of 1997/98. Extractions from the aqueous matrices were carried out in Antarctica (the laboratories of the Italian Base, Terra Nova Bay). Because of the critical space–time conditions in these laboratories, an extraction procedure was developed, suitable for large volumes of water (10?L), in order to combine the extraction of other classes of organic compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated pesticides) with those of our direct interest. The VCHC organic extracts were analysed in Italy by GC-ECD and GC-MS. The analyses confirmed the presence of the three halocarbons in Antarctica in quantities ranging from units to some dozens of nanograms per kilogram. The results were evaluated with respect to the local distribution of these compounds and their diffusion on a global scale.     

Field ionization and electron impact mass spectra of cycloolefins

The field ionization mass spectra of monosubstituted cyclopentenes and cyclohexenes with C₁-C₇ n-alkyl and C₄-C₅ isoalkyl substituents in positions 1 and 3 have been investigated and compared with the previously reported electron impact mass spectra of these compounds. The cleavage of the C? C bond β to the double bond in the non-isomerized molecular ion was found to be a typical degradation reaction of the higher homologues in the strong electric field. So, by means of the field ionization mass spectra, the >C₁ alkyl substituent can be readily located in the parent molecule. The electron impact mass spectra exhibit a less specific fragment ion distribution for positional isomers due to the extensive molecular ion isomerization prior to decomposition, but provide useful information on the ring size. For structure determination it is appropriate to use both ionization techniques.     

Fragmentation in chemical ionization mass spectrometry and the proton affinity of the departing neutral

Chemical ionization mass spectra of six 5,6-dihydro-2-methyl-1,4-oxathiins, and some of the sulfoxides and sulfones derived therefrom, have been determined employing hydrogen, methane and isobutane as reagent gases. The major fragmentation reaction of the protonated molecule, [R′COX·H]⁺, involves loss of the neutral HX molecule. For the sulfides and sulfones, with X ranging from OH to N(CH₃)C₆H₅, it is observed that the importance of this fragmentation is inversely correlated with the proton affinity of the departing HX molecule in both the H₂ and CH₄ chemical ionization. For the sulfoxides no consistent correlation is observed and this is attributed to the interference of competing and/or consecutive fragmentation reactions. In the isobutane chemical ionization mass spectra only the protonated molecule is observed for most of the compounds studied.     

Nitrosylkomplexe des Molybdän(+II) Die Kristallstrukturen von [Mo(NO)Cl3 · POCl3]2 und von [AsPh4]2[Mo(NO)Cl5] · 2 CH2Cl2

Nitrosyl Complexes of Molybdenum (+II). Crystal Structures of [Mo(NO)Cl₃ · POCl₃]₂ and [AsPh₄]₂[Mo(NO)Cl₅] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ Solutions of MoCl₅ in POCl₃ react with NOCl forming the nitrosyl compound Mo(NO)Cl₃ · 2POCl₃ ( I ), which in CH₂Cl₂ cleaves off one solvate molecule, yielding the dimeric complex [Mo(NO)Cl₃ · POCl₃]₂ ( II ). Reaction with AsPh₄Cl in dichloro methane leads to the nitrosyl complexes AsPh₄[Mo(NO)Cl₄] · CH₂Cl₂ ( III ) and [AsPh₄]₂[Mo(NO)Cl₅] · 2CH₂Cl₂ ( IV ), respectively. The i.r. spectra are recorded and assigned. [Mo(NO)Cl₃ · POCl₃]₂ crystallizes monoclinic in the space group P2₁/c with two dimeric units per unit cell. The crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction methods (R = 0.040; 1391 observed, independent reflexions). Complex II is linked by chlorine bridges, forming a dimeric, centrosymmetric molecule of symmetry C_i. The N? O bond of the nitrosyl ligand is extremely short (108 pm), the Mo? N bond (181 pm) corresponds to a double bond. In trans position to the NO ligand, which is coordinated in linear array, there is the O atom of the solvate molecule POCl₃. [AsPh₄]₂[Mo(NO)Cl₅] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ crystallizes triclinic in the space group P1 with two units per unit cell (R = 0.039; 1967 observed, independent reflexions). The molybdenum atom is coordinated octahedrally by five Cl ligands and a nitrosyl group, as well coordinated in linear array (Mo? N? O 174°). The nitrosyl ligand exerts a significant trans-effect (r Mo? Cl_(trans) = 247 pm, r MoCl_4(eq)(average) = 239 pm).     

The characterization of trichothecenes as their heptafluorobutyrate esters by negative-ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Negative-ion chemical ionization (NCI) and collisionally activated mass spectra are presented for heptafluorobutyryl (HFB) esters of eight trichothecenes. The ion-source conditions have a dramatic effect on the NCI spectra and only at low source temperatures can intense parent ions, i.e., M^? for bis- and tris-HFB esters (neosolaniol, HT-2 Toxin, monoacetosyscirpenol, fusarenon-X and deoxynivalenol) and [M-HF]^? for mono-HFB esters (T-2 Toxin, Iso-T-2 Toxin, and diacetoxyscirpenol), be generated. High selectivity and a sensitivity down to picogram (0.2-2pg) levels were achieved with gas chromatography/NCI tandem mass spectrometry. Application to a spiked oats sample is described.     

Darstellung,Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von Triphenylphosphinoxidhydrochlorid (C6H5)3PO · HCl

On Phosphazo Compounds from Nitriles. IV. The Reaction of Tri, Di, and Monochloroacetonitrile with [Cl₃P?N? PCl₃]Cl. Improved Preparation of [Cl₃P?N? PCl₃]Cl Trichloroacetonitrile reacts with P₂NCl₇ to give Cl₃C? CCl₂? N?PCl₂? N?PCl₃ I , dichloroacetonitrile to give Cl₂C?CCl? N?PCl₂? N?PCl₃ II , and chloroacetonitrile to give the ring compound III . Preparation, n.m.r. and mass spectra of the new compounds are described. The mechanism of formation is discussed. An improved procedure for the preparation of P₂NCl₇ is given.     

Mechanistic modeling of the wall reactions in the pyrolysis of pentachloroethane

The thermal dehydrochlorination C₂HCl₅ → C₂Cl₄ + HCl has been studied in a static system between 565 and 645 K at pressures ranging from 5 to 21 torr. The course of the reaction was followed by measuring the pressure rise in the conditioned quartz reaction vessel and by analyzing the products by gas chromatography. The observed experimental results and data from the literature for flow systems can be explained quantitatively in terms of a radical reaction model involving heterogeneous chain initiation and termination steps. The rate constants have been deduced for reactions of Cl, Cl₂, and C₂HCl₅ over reactor walls covered with a pyrolytic carbon film and for reactions of adsorbed Cl atoms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 322–330, 2002     

Electron impact,electron capture negative ionization and positive chemical ionization mass spectra of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers

Phosphate esters are important commercial products that have been used both as flame retardants and as plasticizers. To analyze these compounds by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry, it is important to understand the mass spectra of these compounds using various ionization modes. This paper is a systematic overview of the electron impact (EI), electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) and positive chemical ionization (PCI) mass spectra of 13 organophosphate esters. These data are useful for developing and optimizing analytical measurements. The EI spectra of these 13 compounds are dominated by ions such as H₄PO₄⁺, (M ? Cl)⁺, (M ? CH₂Cl)⁺ or (M)⁺ depending on specific chemical structures. The ECNI spectra are generally dominated by (M ? R)^?. The PCI spectra are mainly dominated by the protonated molecular ion (M + H)⁺. The branching of the alkyl substituents, the halogenation of the substituents and, for aromatic phosphate esters, ortho alkylation of the ring are all significant factors controlling the details of the fragmentation processes. EI provides the best sensitivity for the quantitative measurement of these compounds, but PCI and ECNI both have considerable qualitative selectivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.