The activation energy as guiding factor in the fragmentation of substituted diphenylmethanes

The mass spectra of a series of substituted diphenylmethanes were obtained. The mass spectral features were compared with those of the corresponding 1,2 diphenylethanes and discussed in terms of the factors which influence the electron-impact fragmentation. In the series examined, it is shown that the activation energy is the most important factor in determining cracking patterns. The meaning of the averaged rate constants is criticised.