The mass spectrometry of 2-methylthio(glyco)oxazoline derivatives of pentoses and hexoses

The fragmentation of 2-methylthio(glyco)oxazolines under electron impact has been investigated by low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Field desorption was used in those cases where the molecular ion was weak or missing. Fragmentation pathways were determined by monitoring metastable transitions and through the use of labeled compounds. The results support the anticipated structure for these compounds and show the sensitivity of the mass spectra toward ring size.