Mass spectrometry exchange reaction

From the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant for proton exchange between some deuterated and undeuterated primary and secondary amines, monitored by high-pressure mass spectrometry, the reaction enthalpy, or difference in proton affinity, could be measured.101 Protonation of the deuterated amine is favored by 0.2kcalmol-1, varying with structure by 0.1 kcal mol-1 but with no obvious pattern. However, the equilibrium, at least for CH3CD2NHCH3, appears to be entropy driven, not enthalpy. 

A detailed review of the ortho-effect in mass spectrometry was published by H. Schwarz [22]. He classified the processes related to the ortho-effect, gave examples of unusual elimination reactions, processes of intramolecular cyclization, exchange and reduction processes. 

Deuterium may be analyzed from density measurements of waters. A confirmation method recommended here is GC mass spectrometry. Deuterium is burned in oxygen (or air) to form D2O which may be separated with helium on a GC column (of intermediate polarity) and identified from its mass spectra. The mass to charge ratio of the molecular ion is 20. Additionally, deuterated products obtained by exchange reactions with hydrogen containing substances (other than those containing C—H bonds) may be separated on a capillary GC column and identified by mass spectrometry. 

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