The Mass Spectra of Some Organophosphorus Pesticide Compounds

Abstract

Abstract The mass spectra of 23 pentavalent organophosphorus pesticide esters were investigated. Rearrangements and fragmentation by simple cleavage are postulated from analogy with similar compounds, from the presence of chlorine atoms with their readily-recognizable isotopic distribution when applicable, from elemental compositions determined by accurate mass measurements, and, in a few cases, from model compounds. The compounds are divided into four groups: phosphorodithioates, phosphorothionates, phosphorothiolates, and phosphates. The base peaks are formed by rearrangements and simple cleavage. Rearrangement ions are formed by (I) hydrogen migration from the alkyl ester group to the thiophosphite-oxygen skeleton; (2) migration of hydrogen from the Z moiety (aryl or alkyl group) to the phosphorus-oxygen skeleton; (3) migration of hydrogen from the Z moiety to the thiophosphite-oxygen skeleton; (4) migration of hydrogen from the ester group bonded to phosphorus to the Z moiety; and (5) alkyl migration to the Z moiety. The base peak does not characterize the different groups or compounds within a group. However, beta-cleavage (relative to the Z moiety) producing relatively intense peaks (with the charge on the Z moiety) is characteristic of a given group. These data may be useful in identifying metabolites isolated from crops field sprayed with an individual parent organophosphorus pesticide.