| Abstract: | This study on the fragmentation of conjugated enynes demonstrates the relationships between the mass spectra and the structures of these compounds. The rearrangements of the molecular ions and the fragment ions are characterized; the mechanisms by which the most important peaks are formed have been established and detailed analysis of the metastable transitions reveals all the fragmentation steps. A complete scheme is presented for 2-methyl-1-nonene-3-yne since it includes all the transitions which can be detected for the lower homologues. The ion kinetic energy spectra for this family of compounds are distinct (even though the conventional spectra are similar) and could very well be used for identification purposes. |
