Mass spectra of 1,2,4-triazoles—II: Alkyl 1,2,4-triazoles

The mass spectra of monomethyl 1,2,4-triazoles contain fragment ions produced by specific cleavage of the heterocyclic ring. A major fragmentation from many molecular ions involves the elimination of HCN, but loss of N₂ is either very small or completely absent. No N or H scrambling occurs within the triazole ring system, as evidenced by labelling studies. The loss of a hydrogen atom from the molecular ions of 3-alkyl-1,2,4-triazoles (alkyl ? C₂H₅) originates from hydrogens attached to the β carbon and nitrogen atoms.