Structural determination of modified fatty acids by collisional activation of cationized molecules

The nature and location of a variety of modifications of fatty acids are determined by collisional activation (CA) of [M + 2Li ? H]⁺ ions. The sample molecules are cationized in situ on the probe tip, desorbed by fast atom bombardment and, upon CA, undergo charge-remote decompositions. This approach is a direct, totally instrumental method for structure elucidation. Advantages of CA of [M + 2Li ? H]⁺ ions are that fatty acids with substituents in close proximity to the carboxylate terminus and modified short-chain acids are readily determined: decompositions of carboxylate anions of these fatty acids result in collision-activated dissociation (CAD) spectra that give incomplete structural information. However, the CAD spectra of some [M ? H]^? ions, such as those from epoxy acids, are simpler to interpret than those of the [M + 2Li ? H]⁺ ions. Thus, CA of fatty acid [M + 2Li ? H]⁺ ions is a complementary approach to CA of [M ? H]^? ions for determining the fatty acid structures investigated here. The use of this approach for analyzing complex mixtures of modified fatty acids is also evaluated.     

Mechanism of stereospecific alcohol elimination from cyclohexane trans-1,3-dicarboxylates under electron impact ionization

Diesters of cyclohexane trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid give rise to major [M ? ROH]^+·. ions under electron impact ionization. A mass spectral study of the isomeric mixed methyl ethyl esters of the diacid, substituted by a methyl group at position 1 and deuterium labelled at position 3, indicates a stepwise mechanism for this alcohol elimination; the 3-hydrogen (or deuterium) is transferred to the carbonyl of the 1-ester group in the initial step. Subsequent migration of that hydrogen (or deuterium) to the alkoxyl of position 3 results in the highly site- and stereospecific alcohol elimination. CID spectra of the [M ? ROH]^+. ions obtained from the stereoisomeric diesters clearly show that they have different structures (or are different mixtures of structures).     

The [M?OH]+ ions of m- and p-ethylnitrobenzene: A common structure?

The structures of the [M? OH]⁺ ions of m- and pethylnitrobenzene have been compared by measurements of metastable ion spectra, collisional activation spectra, kinetic energy releases and critical energies for the formation of these ions and their subsequent decomposition. Normalized rates of fragmentation of metastable molecular ions and metastable [M? OH]⁺ ions have been compared for ion lifetimes up to 30 μs. The energy measurements fail to distinguish between the structures of the [M? OH]⁺ ions, but the normalized fragmentation rates and the collisional activation spectra show their structures to be different.     

MASSENSPEKTROMETRISCHE UNTERSUCHUNG ORGANISCHER STICKSTOFFVERBINDUNGEN XVIIIMECGABUSNEB;ndash DER NH3- ELIMINIERUNG AUS 3-PHENYL-PROPYL- UND 5-PHENYLPENTYLAMIN

The mechanisms for ammonia elimination from the title compounds have been studied using ²H labelled compounds, heats of formation data derived from appearance potential measurements of the [M ? NH₃]⁺· ions and by comparison of the collisional activation spectra of these ions with those of the corresponding phenylalkenes. Possible ion structures are discussed as a function of the ion life time.     

Ion chemistry of phthalamic acids. III. The origin of [M ? 1]+ ions under electron impact

Electron impact mass spectra and collisional activation/mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra of some phthalamic acids and their deuterium labelled analogues suggested that the genesis of [M ? 1]⁺ ions is due to the loss of an aromatic hydrogen ortho to the amidic group, as for aromatic amides and thioamides.     

Charge reversal of the conjugate base of formamide

Charge reversal collisional activation mass spectremetry of negative ions has been used in conjunction with positive ion collisional activation to investigate several isomeric [H₂, C, N, O]⁺ ions. Generation of m/z 44 ions from formamide, acetamide, JV-methylformamide, acetaldoxime and by charge reversal of the [M–1]^? ion formed from formamide yields several different isomeric structures. Charge reversal of the conjugate base of formamide appears to yield a mixture of singlet and triplet H₂NC?O⁺ ions; experiments with deuterium-labeled compounds have been used to support this. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations indicate that the triplet ion is a stable structure, existing in a potential minimum 390.6 kJ mol^?1 above the ground state singlet.     

A comparison of electrospray tandem mass spectra of some sialic acid derivatives: Ion trap and high resolution QqToF mass spectrometers

Using O-acetyl-N-acyl derivatives of O-methyl sialoside methyl esters, it was shown that an ion trap and a hybrid analyzer (linear quadrupole–time-of-flight analyzer, reflectron) give comparable, though not identical secondary mass spectra for the [M + Na]⁺ and [M + K]⁺ ions. A parallel use of an ion trap and a hybrid QqToF instrument gives information about the fragmentation pathways of ions of sialic acid derivatives under collisional activation. In this case, the sequence of fragmentation may be established using an ion trap, whereas a QqToF instrument offers a possibility of revealing the elemental composition of fragment ions quickly and unequivocally.     

Mass spectroscopy of hydroxamic acids: Fragmentation by the loss of the hydroxylamino oxygen

The mass spectra of three dihydroxamic acids have shown in each case prominent [M – 16]^+· and [M – 32]^+· ions. The spectrum of biosynthetically labeled rhodotorulic acid indicates that these ions arise from the sequential, specific loss of the hydroxylamino oxygens.     

Aktivierungsenergie und Mechanismus der intramolekularen Wasserstoff-Wanderung bei Radikal-Kationen von Keto/Enol-Tautomeren in der Gasphase

The collisional activation mass spectra prove that non-decomposing ionized methyl acetate [CH₃COOCH₃]⁺? and its enolic isomer [CH₂?C(OH)OCH₃]⁺? exist as stable species in potential wells. It is shown, however, that prior to CH₃O? loss the decomposing [CH₂?C(OH)OCH₃]⁺? ion isomerizes via a rate determining symmetry forbidden [1.3] hydrogen rearrangement to ionized methyl acetate. The alternative mode of two consecutive formally symmetry allowed [1.2] hydrogen migrations can be certainly excluded for this isomerization. The activation energy of such hydrogen rearrangements is of the order of 41–83 kcal · mol^?1 depending on the electronic nature of the cations (“open” or “closed” shell systems).     

Structure and formation of [C4H6N]+ ions: 1—Ion structures derived from aliphatic nitriles

Structures and formation of the [C₄H₆N]⁺ ions present in the mass spectra of eleven α-substituted and eleven α-unsubstituted nitriles have been investigated from collisional activation and metastable ion spectra. Collisional activation spectra lead to identification of six structures. The [C₄H₆N]⁺ ions from some branched compounds prove to be mixtures. This, as well as the identity of all metastable ion parameters and certain spectral data, shows that energy differences between all structures are small. This is corroborated by MINDO/3 calculations showing a spread from 724 to 891 kJ mol^?1 over the structures. Earlier proposals for two different [C₄H₆N]⁺ ion structures, based on the mass spectra of deuterium labelled compounds, appeared to be correct. A computer program to calculate the contribution of standard spectra in a measured spectrum has been developed.     

The unusual fragmentation of long‐chain feruloyl esters under negative ion electrospray conditions

Long‐chain ferulic acid esters, such as eicosyl ferulate ( 1 ), show a complex and analytically valuable fragmentation behavior under negative ion electrospay collision‐induced dissociation ((?)‐ESI‐CID) mass spectrometry, as studied by use of a high‐resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometer. In a strong contrast to the very simple fragmentation of the [M + H]⁺ ion, which is discussed briefly, the deprotonated molecule, [M – H]^?, exhibits a rich secondary fragmentation chemistry. It first loses a methyl radical (MS²) and the ortho‐quinoid [M – H – Me]^‐? radical anion thus formed then dissociates by loss of an extended series of neutral radicals, C_nH_2n + 1^? (n = 0–16) from the long alkyl chain, in competition with the expulsion of CO and CO₂ (MS³). The further fragmentation (MS⁴) of the [M – H – Me – C₃H₇]^? ion, discussed as an example, and the highly specific losses of alkyl radicals from the [M – H – Me – CO]^‐? and [M – H – Me – CO₂]^‐? ions provide some mechanistic and structural insights.     

Cyclic ions in the mass spectra of trimethylsilyl derivatives of substituted o-dihydroxybenzenes

The mass spectra of trimethylsilyl (TMS) ethers/methyl esters of phenolic acids containing o-dihydroxybenzene groups have base peaks at [M?119]⁺ instead of the usual [M?15]⁺ and [M?31]⁺ that are characteristic of TMS/methyl esters of monohydroxyphenolic acids. These ions, formed by the loss of 31+88 u from the parent ion, possess a cyclic moiety as proven by substitution of deuterium atoms for hydrogen atoms in the TMS groups of the methyl esters of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic (gallic), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic (protocatechuic) and β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propenoic (caffeic) acids. Although these cyclic ions are the base peaks in TMS-derivatized o-dihydroxyphenolic acid esters, similar ions represent intense peaks but not necessarily the base peak in other derivatized compounds such as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, 1,2-dihydroxy-3-methyl- and 1,2-dihydroxy-4-methyl-benzenes and flavan-3-ols that possess o-dihydroxybenzene groups. Compounds possession m- or p-dihydroxybenzene groups do not form these cyclic ions; therefore, this procedure for derivatization and interpretation of mass spectra is valuable for the identification of compounds containing o-dihydroxybenzene groups in complex mixtures of isomeric compounds.     

Isomeric [C3H4]+· ions: Their identification and generation in dissociative ionizations

The collisional activation (CA) and charge stripping (CS) mass spectra of the three [C₃H₄]^+· isomers, allene, propyne and cyclopropene, are reported. The extent of isomerization among these ions prior to collisional excitation depends on their internal energy content, but is small. Each [C₃H₄]^+· ion structure also can uniquely be generated via appropriate dissociative ionizations. Analysis of mixtures of [C₃H₄]^+· (daughter) ion structures is, in general, not possible from CA and CS mass spectra alone but may be aided by appearance energy measurements.     

A fast atom bombardment and field ionization/field desorption study of some isomeric unsaturated dicarboxylic acids

Geometrically isomeric dicarboxylic acids, such as maleic and fumaric acid and their methyl homologues, and the isomeric phthalic acids, have been investigated using fast atom bombardment, field ionization and field desorption mass spectrometry. The most intense peak in the positive ion fast atom bombardment spectra corresponds with the [M + H]⁺ ion. This ion, when derived from the E -acids, tragments either by successive loss of water and carbon monoxide or by elimination of carbon dioxide. In the case of the Z -acids only elimination of water from the [M + H]⁺ ions is observed to occur to a significant extent. The same is true for the [M + H]⁺ ions of the isomeric phthalic acids, that is the [M + H] ions derived from iso- and terephthalic acid exhibit more fragmentation than those of phthalic acid. All these acids undergo much less fragmentation upon field ionization, where not only abundant [M + H]⁺ ions, but also abundant [M]^+· ions, are observed. Upon field desorption only the [M + H]⁺ and [M + Na]⁺ ions are observed under the measuring conditions. Negative ion fast atom bombardment spectra of the acids mentioned have also been recorded. In addition to the most abundant [M? H]^? ions relatively intense peaks are observed, which correspond with the [M]^?˙ ions. The fragmentations observed for these ions appear to be quite different from those reported in an earlier electron impact study and in a recent atmospheric pressure ionization investigation.     

FAB and chemical ionization in the production of [M+ H]+ and [M− H]− species from 2-aryl-2-methyl-1,3-dithianes

The unimolecular fragmentations of [M + H]⁺ and [M – H]^? ions from four 2-aryl-2-methyl-1,3-dithianes are described and clarified with the aid of deuterated derivatives. Comparison of the MIKE spectra of [M + H]⁺ species obtained under chemical ionization and fast atom bombardment (FAB) conditions reveals differences which are attributed to the different energetics involved in the two ionization processes. It is suggested that FAB is a ‘softer’ ionization technique but, at the same time, it provides, for the possibility of solvation, reaction sites not available in gas-phase protonation. [M – H]^? species and anionic fragments thereof were generally not obtained under FAB(?) conditions. [M – H]^? ions are readily produced in gas-phase reactions with OH^? via proton abstraction from C(4) or C(5), and from the 2-methyl substituent; and they fragment according to several reaction pathways.     

Fragmentation behaviour and ring expansion of 1-methylimidazole and 1-methylpyrazole upon electron-impact

The relative losses of unlabelled vs. labelled HCN from the [M]⁺˙ and [M – 1]⁺ ions of a number of specifically labelled 1-methylimidazoles (I) and 1-methylpyrazoles (II) have been determined. Hydrogen randomisation in the molecular ions prior to fragmentation is insignificant. Expulsion of HCN follows two distinct pathways: elimination involving positions 2 and 3 (predominant in I) and elimination involving the methyl group and the nitrogen atom at position 1 (predominant in II). The molecular ions eject H˙ from the methyl groups to a high degree of specificity. In both cases some contribution by position 5 is observed. The resultant [M – 1]⁺ ions exhibit extensive, but incomplete hydrogen randomisation. Loss of HCN from these ions is consistent with intermediacy of ring-expanded ions, but notably in II a proportion of the HCN is generated from the group. A mechanism for this observation is presented.     

[M + 11]+˙ and [M + 11]−˙ ions in the nitrogen positive and negative ion chemical ionization mass spectra of aromatic amines

The N₂ negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mass spectra of aniline, aminonaphthalenes, aminobiphenyls and aminoanthracenes show an unexpected addition appearing at [M + 11]^?˙. This addition is also observed in the N₂ positive chemical ionization (PCI) mass spectra. An ion at [M – 15]^? is found in the NICI spectra of aminoaromatics such as aniline, 1- and 2-aminonaphthalene and 1- and 2-aminoanthracene. Ion formation was studied using labeled reagents, variation of ion source pressure and temperature and examination of ion chromatograms. These experiments indicate that the [M + 11]^?˙, [M – 15]^?˙ and [M + 11]^+˙ ions result from the ionization of analytes altered by surface-assisted reactions. Experiments with ¹⁵N₂, [¹⁵N] aniline, [2,3,4,5,6-²H₅] aniline and [¹³C₆] aniline show that the [M + 11]^?˙ ion corresponds to [M + N – 3H]^?˙. The added nitrogen originates from the N₂ buffer gas and the addition occurs with loss of one ring and two amino group hydrogens. Fragmentation patterns in the N₂ PCI mass spectrum of aniline suggest that the neutral product of the surface-assisted reaction is 1,4-dicyanobuta-1,3-diene. Experiments with diamino-substituted aromatics show analogous reactions resulting in the formation of [M – 4H]^?˙ ions for aromatics with ortho-amino groups. Experiments with methylsubstituted aminoaromatics indicate that unsubstituted sites ortho to the amino group facilitate nitrogen addition, and that methyl groups provide additional sites for nitrogen addition.     

Charge reversal of three alkylamide ions: Free nitrenium ions

The methylnitrenium, ethylnitrenium and dimethylnitrenium ions are prepared by charge reversal collisional activation (CR CA) of the corresponding negative ions; their collisional activation mass spectra are shown to support the assigned structures. MINDO/3 energies are used to evaluate relative energies of [CH₄N]⁺ and [C₂H₆N]⁺ isomers, and to determine whether unstable forms rearrange spontaneously to stable ones. As in other examples, charge reversal here generates cations that do not exist in an energy well, but their transient existence is established because their fragmentation is more rapid than their rearrangement to a more stable form.     

Tandem mass spectrometry for identifying fatty acid derivatives that undergo charge-remote fragmentations

A variety of fatty acid functional derivatives were desorbed by fast atom bombardment and collisionally activated. Derivatives having a high proton affinity such as fatty amides, pyrrolidides and picolinyl esters fragment to give decompositions that originate remote from the charge site. In contrast, derivatives having a low proton affinity such as fatty acids and fatty esters fragment to give charge-initiated decompositions. Therefore, the choice of the fatty acid functional derivative is important in effecting charge-remote decompositions of the [M + H]⁺ ions. The collisional activation spectra of the [M + H]⁺ ions of fatty alcohols and fatty amines were also compared. Based on this comparison, the internal energy required in order for charge-remote fragmentations to occur is estimated to be between 1.4 and 2.9 eV. This work is a guide in designing functional derivatives of fatty acids that undergo charge-remote reactions.     

Electron impact mass spectra of polycyclic aromatic compounds with several types of pyridino- and benzobenzanthrone skeletons

Electron impact mass spectra were measured for five isomers of pyridinobenzanthrones and three isomers of benzobenzanthrones. The fragmentation pattern and intensity of M²⁺, [M – H]⁺, [M – CO]ⁱ⁺, [M – CO – H(or 2H)]ⁱ⁺ and [M – CO – HCN]ⁱ⁺ (i = 1, 2) ions indicated remarkable differences and very interesting features according to the isomers with or without nitrogen and condensation positions of a pyridino or benzo ring to the benzanthrone skeleton. Further, the competition of decompositions through [M – H]⁺, [M – CO]^+˙ or [M – HCN]^+˙ ions was confirmed by the observation of metastable ions and the appearance energies of fragment ions. Interesting observations from these results were expulsion of an H atom in close proximity to the area around an O?C group, a weak bonding interaction between sp² C? H and an O?C group, inducing specific hydrogen rearrangement, and characteristic charge localization on heteroatoms.