Electron impact mass spectrometry of the acetates of zinc,magnesium, cobalt and manganese

The electron impact mass spectra of the acetates of zinc, magnesium, cobalt and manganese have been investigated using a direct inlet probe. Volatile tetrahedral complexes are produced on heating, and ions of the form M₄(OCOCH₃)₆O]^+˙ (M = Co and Mn) and N₄(OCOCH₃)₅O]⁺ (N = Zn or Mg) are observed. A mixture of magnesium and cobalt acetates produces ions of the form Mg_nCo_4–n(OCOCH₃)₆O]^+˙.