Formation of Organometallic Species, [M – H]+ Ions and Radical Cations upon Mass Spectrometric Fragmentation of Mercury–Crown Ether Complexes

Abstract

Mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways of [M + HgClO4]+ (M – crown ether molecule), determined by tandem mass spectrometry experiments, are discussed in detail. The decomposition of [M + HgClO4]+ proceeds along three fragmentation pathways: formation of [M – H]+ ions, formation of organometallic species, namely [M – H + Hg]+ ions, and formation of radical cations [M]+•. The factors influencing these processes, namely crown ether cavities and the presence of electron withdrawing/electron donor groups, have been discussed.