Mass spectral fragmentation pathways in 2,4,6-trinitroaromatic compounds. A tandem mass spectrometric collision induced dissociation study

A collision induced dissociation study of a series of 2,4,6-trinitroaromatic compounds was carried out using a tandem BB mass spectrometer. Fragmentation pathways of the compounds were determined in the electron impact mode. It was found that dominant fragmentation pathways include loss of OH˙ due to an ortho effect and loss of NO˙ due to the formation of resonance-stabilized products.