Characterization of N‐methylated amino acids by GC‐MS after ethyl chloroformate derivatization

Methylation is an essential metabolic process in the biological systems, and it is significant for several biological reactions in living organisms. Methylated compounds are known to be involved in most of the bodily functions, and some of them serve as biomarkers. Theoretically, all α‐amino acids can be methylated, and it is possible to encounter them in most animal/plant samples. But the analytical data, especially the mass spectral data, are available only for a few of the methylated amino acids. Thus, it is essential to generate mass spectral data and to develop mass spectrometry methods for the identification of all possible methylated amino acids for future metabolomic studies. In this study, all N‐methyl and N,N‐dimethyl amino acids were synthesized by the methylation of α‐amino acids and characterized by a GC‐MS method. The methylated amino acids were derivatized with ethyl chloroformate and analyzed by GC‐MS under EI and methane/CI conditions. The EI mass spectra of ethyl chloroformate derivatives of N‐methyl ( 1–18 ) and N,N‐dimethyl amino acids ( 19–35 ) showed abundant [M‐COOC₂H₅]⁺ ions. The fragment ions due to loss of C₂H₄, CO₂, (CO₂ + C₂H₄) from [M‐COOC₂H₅]⁺ were of structure indicative for 1–18 . The EI spectra of 19–35 showed less number of fragment ions when compared with those of 1–18 . The side chain group (R) caused specific fragment ions characteristic to its structure. The methane/CI spectra of the studied compounds showed [M + H]⁺ ions to substantiate their molecular weights. The detected EI fragment ions were characteristic of the structure that made easy identification of the studied compounds, including isomeric/isobaric compounds. Fragmentation patterns of the studied compounds ( 1–35 ) were confirmed by high‐resolution mass spectra data and further substantiated by the data obtained from ¹³C₂‐labeled glycines and N‐ethoxycarbonyl methoxy esters. The method was applied to human plasma samples for the identification of amino acids and methylated amino acids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mass spectral studies on steroidal compounds. VIII—a comparative study of 6- and 7-oxalactones

The mass spectra of three steroidal ring B 7-oxalactones and one 6-oxalactone have been examined and comparison made with previously studied spectra of 6-oxa isomers. Whereas the mass spectra of 6-oxalactones are conspicuous by an intense peak at m/e 318, no such peak was found for 7-oxalactones. On the contrary, the 7-oxalactones showed characteristic [M ? CH₂O]⁺ ions. Thus, mass spectrometry offers an excellent means of differentiating between isomeric 6- and 7-oxa ?-lactones in the cholestane and β-sitostane series. The fragmentation pathways suggested are supported by accurate mass measurement of some of the salient fragment ions.     

The mass spectra of carboxylic acids—V: Carboxyl-carboxyl interaction in the fragmentation of some cycloalkene-1,2-dicarboxylic acids

The fragmentation mechanisms of the six isomeric cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acids are discussed. Only the 1-cyclohexene acid, by virtue of the major sequential losses of H₂O and CO₂ from the molecular ion, is readily distinguishable from its isomers, all of whose mass spectra are closely similar. In contrast to cis and trans cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acids, whose mass spectra were markedly different, the cis and trans cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acids fragment in a similar fashion. The mass spectra of 1-cyclopentene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid and 1-cyclobutene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid also exhibit a strong carboxyl-carboxyl interaction; the fragmentation behaviour of the 1-cyclopenteneacid is, however, more complex than that of the 1-cyclohexene and 1-cyclobutene acids.     

Specific rearrangement reactions of acetylated lysine containing peptide bn (n = 4–7) ion series

Characterization of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides, one of the most prominent post‐translational modifications of proteins, is an important goal for tandem mass spectrometry experiments. A systematic study for the fragmentation reactions of b ions derived from ε‐N‐acetyllysine containing model octapeptides (K_AcYAGFLVG and YAK_AcGFLVG) has been examined in detail. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of b_n (n = 4–7) fragments of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides are compared with those of N‐terminal acetylated and doubly acetylated (both ε‐N and N‐terminal) peptides, as well as acetyl‐free peptides. Both direct and nondirect fragments are observed for acetyl‐free and singly acetylated (ε‐N or N‐terminal) peptides. In the case of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides, however, specific fragment ions (m/z 309, 456, 569 and 668) are observed in CID mass spectra of b_n (n = 4–7) ions. The CID mass spectra of these four ions are shown to be identical to those of selected protonated C‐terminal amidated peptides. On this basis, a new type of rearrangement chemistry is proposed to account for the formation of these fragment ions, which are specific for ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides. Consistent with the observation of nondirect fragments, it is proposed that the b ions undergo head‐to‐tail macrocyclization followed by ring opening. The proposed reaction pathway assumes that b_n (n = 4–7) of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides has a tendency to place the K_Ac residue at the C‐terminal position after macrocyclization/reopening mechanism. Then, following the loss of CO, it is proposed that the marker ions are the result of the loss of an acetyllysine imine as a neutral fragment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Proton transfer and isotope‐induced reaction in aniline cluster ions

The proton transfer (PT) and other intraclusters reactions occurring after electron ionization of aniline clusters (PhNH₂)_N are investigated by the time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The mass spectra are recorded for different expansion conditions leading to the generation of different cluster sizes. Several fragment ions are shown to originate from intracluster reactions, namely, [Ph]⁺, [PhNH₃]⁺ and [Ph–N–Ph]⁺. Reaction schemes are proposed for these ions starting with the PT process. The mass region beyond the monomer mass is dominated by cluster ions (PhNH₂)_n⁺ accompanied by satellites with ±H and +2H. In experiments with deuterated species, new fragment ions are identified. The aniline isotopomer d₅‐PhNH₂ yields the fragment ions (PhNH₂)_n?(N–Ph–NH₂)⁺. Analogical series is observed in experiments with d₇‐PhND₂, and additional fragments occur corresponding to (PhND₂)_n?(D₂N–ND–Ph–ND–ND₂)⁺ ions. The possible reaction pathways to these ions and the unusual isotope effects are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical ionization mass spectrometry studies—VII: Deuterium labeled decanes

CI mass spectra of the five isomeric vicinal d₂-decanes have been recorded using methane and d₄-methane as reagent gases. In contrast to earlier suggestions, we find that a large fraction of the alkyl fragment ions from n-decane are formed by elimination of olefins from the abundant [M – 1] ion. Only the C₉ and C₈ fragment ions are produced completely by a one-step reaction between the decanes and the methane reagent ions. Isotope exchange does not occur between the hydrocarbon and the reagent ions derived from d₄-methane but extensive scrambling of the deuterium label in the d₂-decanes does take place in the [M – 1] ion.     

Ortho effects in organic molecules on electron-impact II– Ortho effects in substituted α,α,α-trichloracetanilides

Elimination of trichloromethyl radical from the molecular ion is the abundant fragment in the mass spectra of most of the thirteen substituted trichloracetanilides studied. Unusual ortho effects of ? OCH₃, ? NO₂ and ? COOH groups are noticed only after the initial ejection of trichloromethyl radical from the molecular ion.     

The mass spectra of carboxylic acids—I: Fragmentation mechanisms in maleic and fumaric acids and related compounds

The mass spectra of maleic acid, maleic acid-2,3-d, fumaric acid and fumaric acid-2,3-d have been examined and fragmentation mechanisms are proposed for these compounds. The molecular ion of the cis-acid fragments via H atom transfer from one carboxyl group to the other followed by loss of CO₂. The trans acid does not fragment significantly by this route and the former effect may be characteristic of molecules containing two carboxyl groups cis-oriented to each other. This hypothesis was successfully tested by examining the mass spectra of citraconic, itaconic and phthalic acids. Itaconic and mesaconic acids show some of the fragmentation characteristics of fumaric acid.     

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.     

Laser desorption ionization of red phosphorus clusters and their use for mass calibration in time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Phosphorus clusters P_n (n = 1–89) are easily formed from red phosphorus by laser desorption ionization (LDI) and they cover a range of up to approx. m/z 3000 in both positive and negative ion mode. The clusters are singly charged and the spectra are simple because phosphorus is monoisotopic. The mass spectra can be measured with an acceptable resolution and intensity. The use of positively charged P_n clusters for calibration in mass spectrometry was examined and it was demonstrated that in external calibration a standard deviation of ±0.04 m/z units can be achieved even when using a common commercial matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) instrument. When used as internal standards the P_n clusters react with some analytes – C₆₀ and C₇₀ fullerenes and cucurbituril[8], for example. It was also found that red phosphorus is a suitable MALDI matrix for peptides and proteins, illustrated by the examples of a Calmix mixture of bradykinin, angiotensin, renin, adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH fragment 18‐359 and insulin, and of insulin alone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Positive and negative ion mass spectrometric studies of dioximes of α-diketones and their nickel complexes

The positive and negative ion mass spectra of glyoxime, methylglyoxime, dimethylglyoxime, diphenyl glyoxime and of their nickel(II) complexes are reported. Both the positive and negative ion mass spectra of the dioximes show loss of OH^˙ and H₂O from the molecular ion to give fragment ions which probably have cyclic furazan type structures. The positive ion spectra of the complexes fragment mainly by loss of ligand radicals whereas the negative ion spectra show mainly loss of OH^˙ and H₂O.     

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.     

Characterization of synthetic N-acetylcysteine conjugates by positive- and negative-ion 252Cf plasma desorption mass spectrometry

N-Acetylcysteine and nine N-acetylcysteine conjugates of synthetic origin were characterized by positive- and negative-ion plasma desorption mass Spectrometry. For sample preparation the electrospray technique and the nitrocellulose spin deposition technique were applied. The fragmentation of these compounds, which are best seen as S-substituted desaminoglycylcysteine dipeptides, shows a similar behaviour to that of linear peptides. In the positive-ion mass spectra intense protonated molecular ion peaks are observed. In addition, several sequence-specific fragment ions (A⁺, B⁺, [Y + 2H]⁺, Z⁺), immonium ions (I⁺) and a diagnostic fragment ion for mercap-turic acids (R_M⁺) are detected. The negative-ion mass spectra exhibit deprotonated molecular ions and in contrast only one fragment ion corresponding to side-chain specific cleavage ([R_XS]^?) representing the xenobiotic moiety. In the case of a low alkali metal concentration on the target, cluster molecular ions of the [nM + H]⁺ or [nM - H]^? ion type (n = 1-3) are observed. The analysis of an equimolar mixture of eight N-acetylcysteine conjugates shows different quasi-molecular ion yields for the positive- and negative-ion spectra.     

Mass spectra of germacranolide type sesquiterpene dilactones and derivatives

The low and high resolution mass spectra of five germacranolide sesquiterpene dilactones together with the d₀-, d₃-acetates, d₀-, d₉-TMSi derivatives and deuterium exchange products were obtained. The mass spectra of the five dilactones revealed several kinds of common fragment ions. The germacranolides containing a 4,5 double bond exhibit characteristic ions at m/e 274, 256, 228, 165 and 147, while the 4,5-dihydro compound exhibits fragment ions at m/e 276, 258, 230 and 162.     

Mass spectrometry: XI—Electron impact induced fragmentation of some amides of F-acids and their deuterated homologues

The mass spectrometry of perfluoro compounds (F-alkyl compounds) has seldom been the subject of systematic studies. Fluorocarbons excepted, only a few mass spectra of such compounds have been analysed and corresponding fragmentations correlated. In this paper we report the mass spectra of 19 amides of perfluoro acids (R_FCONHR) with R=benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-(N-phenylamino)ethyl, and R_F=F-methyl, n-perfluoropropyl, n-perfluoropentyl and n-perfluoroheptyl. These compounds exhibit quite different behaviour from their hydrocarbon homologues under electron impact (for instance no [R_FCO]⁺ fragment was found). Specific deuterium labelling and high resolution measurements have been used to show typical rearrangements and to establish the fragmentation routes.     

STUDIES OF HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS: VI1 THE MASS SPECTRA OF SOME 2-THIOPHENEMERCURIC DERIVATIVES

Abstract

The mass spectra of some 2-thiophenemercuric derivatives are determined and the fragmentation interpretations are based on mechanistic analogy and supported in some cases by metastable peaks and low energy mass spectra. They all fragment ultimately to the 2-thienyl cation formed either through a two-step process, by cleavage of Hg[sbnd]X bond to give the 2-thienylmercuric cation, followed by extrusion of mercury, or by a one-step process through cleavage of carbon-mercury bond. Their base peaks being the C₃H₃ ⁺ion (m/e 39).     

Zum Mechanismus massenspektrometrischer Fragmentierungsreaktionen: XI—Einfluß von Substituenten auf die Bildung cyclischer Fragment-Ionen in den Massenspektren von N,N-Dimethyl-N′-2-chlorphenylformatmidinen und 2-Chlorformaniliden

Molecular ions of N,N-dimethyl-N′-2-chlorophenylformamidines (III) and 2-chloroformanilides (IV) lose a chlorine atom to give benzimidazolium and benzoxazolium ions, respectively. As with N,N-dimethyl-N′-phenylformamidines (I), a linear relationship exists between the Hammett σ-constants and the effect of substituents on the ionisation potentials of substituted III and IV. In contrast to this, the appearance potentials of the cyclic fragment ions of III and IV cannot be easily related to polar effects of substituents; these effects are similar for the cyclic fragment ions of I, III and IV however. Furthermore, the intensities of these ions are influenced in the same direction by substituents in the mass spectra of I, III and IV, and are strongly reduced by electron donating substituents in the para position. The formation of cyclic fragment ions in the mass spectra of I, III and IV therefore occurs by the same mechanism.     

Chemical ionization mass spectra of mononitroarenes

The H₂ and CH₄ chemical ionization mass spectra of a selection of substituted nitrobenzenes have been determined. It is shown that reduction of the nitro group to the amine is favoured by high source temperatures and the presence of water in the ion source. The H₂ chemical ionization mass spectra are much more useful for distinguishing between isomeric compounds than the CH₄ CI mass spectra because of the more extensive fragmentation. For ortho substituents bearing a labile hydrogen abundant [MH ? H₂O]⁺ fragments are observed. When the substituent is electron-releasing both ortho and para substituted nitrobenzenes show abundant [MH? OH]⁺ fragment ions while meta substituted compounds show abundant loss of NO and NO₂ from [MH]⁺. The latter fragmentation is interpreted in terms of protonation para to the substituent or ortho to the vitro function, while the first two fragmentation routes arise from protonation at the nitro group. When the substituent is electron-attracting the chemical ionization mass spectra of isomers are very similar except for the H₂O loss reaction for ortho compounds.     

Mass spectrometry of bis-quinolizidine alkaloids: Lactams of sparteine and α-isosparteine

The mass spectral fragmentations of 2-oxosparteine (lupanine), 2-oxo-α-isosparteine (α-isolupanine), 15-oxosparteine, 17-oxosparteine and 10-oxosparteine (aphylline) are reinvestigated and discussed. Fragmentation pathways, elucidation of which were assisted by accurate mass measurements and metastable transitions, are proposed. The fragmentation assignments are not consistent with those previously reported in the literature. Many fragment species of the same m/z (low-resolution spectra) are composed of two or three fragment ions of different elemental compositions (high-resolution spectra). The obtained data create a safe basis for distinguishing structural and stero isomers.     

Zum Mechanismus massenspektrometrischer Fragmentierungsreaktionen—IXSterische Effekte in den Massenspekten der Stereoisomeren von Decalin-2,3-diolen,Decalin-2,4-Diolen und Ihen Dimethyläthern

The mass spectra of all stereoisomers of decalin-2,3-diol, the corresponding dimethyl ethers and of some deuterated derivatives are discussed. The mass spectra of isomeric decalin-2,3-diols differ only slightly in ion intensities. The mass spectra of the stereoisomeric 2,3-dimethoxy-decalins are nearly identical within the series of transand cisderivatives. A mass spectrometric identification of the stereoisomers of these compounds is therefore diffucult. Stereoselective eliminations from the molecular ion are not observed. The mass spectra -of stereoisomeric decalin-1,4-diols show characteristic differences in the intensities of the[M ? H₂O]⁺˙-ions, which can be related to the geometry of the molecules in a similiar mode as was the case with cyclohexane-1,4-diols, The sterechemical control of the elimination of H₂O from the molecular ions has been confirmed by deuterium labelling. The mass spectra of stereoismeric 1,4-dimethoxy-decalins also differ characteristically in the intensities of the [M ? CH₃OH]⁺˙ ions. Furthermore peak due to the [M ? CH₂O]⁺˙ ions are only observed in the mass spectra of those stereoisomers, which have at least one conformation with a short distance between the two methoxy. The stereospecifity of the CH₃OH- and CH₂O-eliminationjs has also been determined by deuterium labelling.