Characterization of internal salts by laser mass spectrometry

An intermolecular alkyl transfer reaction (ATR) leading to ion-pair formation has been observed for internal salts by using laser mass spectrometry (l.m.s.). Positive- and negative-ion spectra both show evidence for alkyl transfer. Both the LAMMA-500 (transmission) and LAMMA-1000 (reflection) laser mass spectrometers were used. The positive-ion laser mass spectra obtained by these two instruments show some significant differences; no significant differences were observed in the negative-ion spectra. Results obtained for quaternary ammoniohexanoates as a function of laser power indicate that the extent of ATR is greater at high laser power. Addition of a small amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the ammoniohexanoates reduces fragmentation and enhances the intensity of the quasimolecular ion (M + H)⁺ relative to ATR. Results from deuterated sultaines were used to confirm intermolecular alkyl transfer and to elucidate some fragmentation processes. Field-desorption (f.d.) mass spectra of internal salts show similarities and differences from l.m.s.; not all internal salts showed the alkyl transfer reaction in f.d. Cluster ion formation was observed in f.d.m.s. but not in l.m.s.     

Ion formation in fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry: a divided probe investigation of gas-phase reactions

Some ion-formation processes during fast atom bombardment (FAB) are discussed, especially the possibility of reactions in the gas phase. Divided (two halves) FAB probe tips were used for introducing two different samples into the source at the same time. Our results showed [M + A]⁺ ions (where M = crown ethers and A = alkali metal ions), can be produced, at least in part, in the gas phase when crown ethers and sources of alkali metal ion are placed on two halves of the FAB probe tip. The extent of this ion formation depends on the volatility of the crown ether and on steric factors. Cluster ions such as (M + LiCl)Li⁺, (2M + LiCl)Li⁺, [2M + K]⁺ and [2M + Na]⁺ are also observed to form in the gas phase. Unimolecular decompositions contribute to some ions detected in FAB. When the alkali ion salt and the crown ether are mixed together the probability of [M + A]⁺ ion formation increases significantly, regardless of the volatility of the crown ether.     

Solid state chemical ionization for characterization of organic compounds by laser mass spectrometry

A new technique involving the addition of a compound to the analyte to serve as a source of "reagent" ions has been developed for negative-ion laser mass spectrometry. This "solid state chemical ionization" leads to ions characteristic of the analyte, owing to ion-molecule reactions between the "reagent" ion and the neutral analyte in the laser-generated plume. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons show formation of an ion corresponding to (M + O - H)(-) in their negative-ion laser mass spectra when mixed with compounds such as sym-trinitrobenzene, sodium nitrate and sodium peroxide. NO(-)(2), O(-), and O(-)(2) serve as "reagent" ions in these compounds. Formation of (M + Cl)(-) is seen in the laser mass spectra of glycosides mixed with hexachlorobenzene. Chloride serves as the "reagent" ion in this case.     

Use of fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry for the characterization of nitroaromatic isomers

Positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectra of some monosubstituted nitroaromatic isomers are reported. Generally ions carresponding to [M + H]⁺ and M⁺ are observed in the positive ion FAB spectra; ions such as [M ? H] ^? and M^?˙ are observed in the negative ion FAB spectra. The use of FAB mass spectra to distinguish the isomers is discussed. Comparisons of FAB, chemical ionization and electron impact mass spectra of the same isomers (wherever possible) are reported. The structural information obtained in the negative ion FAB spectra complement those obtained in the positive ion FAB spectra.     

Ion-molecule reactions observed for nitroaromatic compounds in negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Analyses of a series of nitroaromatic compounds using fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry are discussed. An interesting ion-molecule reaction leading to [M + O ? H]^? ions is observed in the negative ion FAB spectra. Evidence from linked-scan and collision-induced dissociation spectra proved that [M + O ? H]^? ions are produced by the following reaction: M + NO₂^? → [M + NO₂]^? → [M + O ? H]^?. These experiments also showed that M^?˙ ions are produced in part by the exchange of an electron between M and NO₂^? species. All samples showed M^?˙, [M ? H]^? or both ions in their negative ion FAB spectra. Not all analytes studied showed either [M + H]⁺ and/or M⁺˙ in the positive ion FAB spectra. No M⁺˙ ions were observed for ions having ionization energies above ～9 eV.