Mass spectral fragmentation of benzofurazan-1-oxide

Fragmentations in the mass spectrum of benzofurazan-1-oxide have been studied using linked scan, accelerating voltage scan and mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometric techniques. Major pathways involve NO·+ NO· and NO·+CO loss, these double losses occurring in such rapid succession as to appear ‘concerted’ in some experiments. Minor pathways are loss of CO₂, C₂N₂O₂, or C₂HN₂O₂ from the molecular ion. The major fragment ion, m/z 76, in the conventional mass spectrum is not detected in a mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometric experiment with the molecular ion until collision activation is provided. The conventional electron impact spectrum invariably includes ions from benzofurazan which is produced by thermal deoxygenation in the source.