Alkylation in electron impact mass spectrometry of hydrobromides of 2-alkylthioorotic acids

The mass spectral fragmentations of eight 2-alkylthioorotic acids and their hydrobromides were investigated. Fragmentation pathways, the elucidation of which was assisted by accurate mass measurements and metastable transitions, are proposed. It was found that there is evidence in the electron impact mass spectra of the hydrobromides of 2-alkylthioorotic acids of intermolecular transfer of an alkyl group.