Field desorption mass spectrometry of sodium carboxylates. Intermolecular exchange of hydrogens and alkyl groups as shown by labelling

Abstract

Field desorption mass spectra of sodium acetate and sodium propionate, labelled analogs, and mixtures were used to investigate hydrogen and alkyl group exchange accompanying the desorption process. At low anode temperatures, decomposition products are minimized and formation of homologous carboxylates by alkyl transfer is significant. The complexity of these intermolecular reactions precludes a simple mechanistic scheme. Reproducibility of minor ions is much improved by the addition of pentaerythritol to these samples.