Fragmentation Ions and Neutral Losses

Hard ionisation techniques commonly fragment molecular ions, leading to the loss of neutral species and the formation of fragmentation ions. Some common species lost in mass spectra, and possible chemical inferences that can be drawn from this information, are shown in Table 13.10. In contrast, examples of common fragment ions that are formed are listed in Table 13.11. 

Some Common Fragments Lost in Mass Spectra 

Ions Groups Possible Inference Ions Groups Possible Inference 

M-16 0 Nitro compound, sulfoxide M-42 CH2CO Methyl ketone, aryl acetate 

M-16 NHj Sulfonamide, carboxamide M-42 C3H, Butyl or isobutyl ketone, aryl 

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