Electron impact mass spectrometry of 2-(2-pyridyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-5-phenyl-4-pentene

The mass spectrometric behaviour of 2-(2-pyridyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-5-phenyl-4-pentene has been studied with the aid of B/E, B²/E linked scans, exact mass measurements, collisionally activated dissociation mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra, and labelling experiments. The primary loss of water is proved to involve both hydroxylic hydrogens, thus suggesting the formation of an epoxidic radical ion and the presence of extensive skeletal rearrangements.