| Abstract: | The regioselectivity of methyl cation transfer from (CH3)2F+, (CH3)2Cl+ and (CH3)3O+ to 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane was studied by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance in combination with collision-induced dissociation and neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry of the stable [M + CH3]+ ions formed in a chemical ionization source. The (CH3)2F+ ion transfers a methyl cation to the NH2 group and the phenyl ring with almost equal probability. Predominant CH3+ transfer to the NH2 group is observed for the (CH3)2Cl+ ion whereas the (CH3)3O+ ion reacts almost exclusively at the amino group. The preference for methylation at NH2 is discussed in terms of a lower methyl cation affinity of the phenyl ring than of the amino group and the existence of an energy barrier for methylation of the phenyl moiety. |
