The Mass Spectra of Imidoyl Halides and Bromoiminium Bromides

Abstract

The mass spectra of imidoyl halides 1–6 and bromoiminium bromides 7–9 have been studied and their fragmentation pattern discussed. Loss of halogen atom from the molecular ion of imidoyl halides to form a N-alkylnitrilium ion is a major process. When the N-alkyl group is larger than methyl the fragmentation of N-alkylnitrilium ions with hydrogen rearrangement to give the [PhC≡NH]+ ion becomes important. Thermolysis of bromoiminium bromides in the inlet system of the mass spectrometer produces imidoyl bromides via dealkylation (or dehydrobromination) and α,α-dibromobenzylamines via addition of bromide to the C=N bond.