Abstract: | The collisional charge inversion and neutralization-reionization (?NR) mass spectra of the enolate ions of m/z 115 derived from the four butyl acetates, the two propyl propionates, ethyl butyrate, ethyl isobutyrate, methyl valerate, methyl 2-methylbutyrate and methyl 3-methylbutyrate were recorded. The major primary fragmentation reactions of the unstable carbenium ion formed by charge inversion involve elimination of an alkoxy radical to form a ketene or alkylketene molecular ion and formation of an alkyl ion consisting of the R1 group of RCOOR1. A minor fragmentation reaction involves elimination of an alkyl radical by cleavage of a C? C bond α to the ether oxygen. The alkylketene ions fragment by β-cleavage eliminating an alkyl radical to form an olefinic acylium ion. In most cases the charge inversion mass spectra of the enolate ions allow identification of the ester. |