| Abstract: | The detailed mass spectral fragmentation pathways of a series of both naturally occurring and synthetic 5-methyl-3-alkyl-2-aIkenylpyrazines have been elucidated with the aid of deuterium labels placed specifically in the alkenyl side-chain. The influence on the fragmentation pattern of the stereochemistry of the alkenyl group as well as the relative placement of the groups on the pyrazine nucleus have also been evaluated. This provides information of some diagnostic value in the assignment of structures by mass spectrometry to new compounds within this class. |
