Electron-impact induced skeletal re-arrangement of 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine and 2-methylthio-3-methylpyrazine

The mass spectra of 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine (I), 2-methoxy-6-methylpyrazine (II), 2-methylthio-3-methylpyrazine (III) and 2-methylthio-6-methylpyrazine (IV), are given and the major fragmentation pathways discussed. The novel loss of H₂O from the molecular ion of I and the corresponding loss of H₂S from the molecular ion of III indicate that a skeletal rearrangement takes place in the molecular ion preceding the expulsion of H₂O and H₂S. Proposed mechanisms for this behavior are discussed with evidence being drawn from accurate mass measurement, metastable ions, and deuterium and carbon-13 labeling of the methoxy group. The absence of ions in the spectra of II and IV corresponding to the loss of H₂O and H₂S from these molecular ions clearly indicates that the position of the methyl group with respect to the methoxy group, or the methylthio group is in-timately involved in this mechanism.