Tandem mass spectral studies of the fragmentation pathways of organotin compounds of general formula R3SnR′

Positive ion‐electron impact (EI) mass spectra of organotin compounds of the type R₃SnR′, where R = Ph, n−Bu, n−Pe and R′ = allyl, vinyl, H and Ph, have been recorded. The spectra were also examined by tandem mass spectrometry (MS‐MS) in order to establish fragmentation reaction mechanisms for compounds bearing mixed substituents. Fragmentation patterns of six organotin compounds, based on precursor‐product ion relationships are proposed. Significant differences were found in the reaction pathways of organotin compounds with different substituents. This technique has potential to predict the effect of substitution on the mass spectra of organotin compounds. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.