Electron‐impact induced fragmentation of partially fluorinated β‐diketones

Abstract

AbstractThe ionic fragmentation of twelve partially fluorinated β‐diketones, RCOCH2COCF3 was studied with a medium resolution mass spectrometer. In addition to the anticipated fragmentation by β‐cleavage, a number of interesting rearrangements are observed. [CF3COCH2CO]+., an ion common to all of the compounds investigated, decomposes predominantly by elimination of HF. When R is an alkyl group containing hydrogen γ to the adgacent carbonyl, the McLafferty rearrangement occurs. The [RCOCH2CO]+.ion eliminates neutral RH when R is phenyl, thienyl, or cyclopropyl. An intense metastable peak, absent when R is an alkyl substituent, accompanies the rearrangement in these three compounds. A number of fragments characteristic of the R substituent are also observed in many cases. This is interpreted as indicating a considerable degree of charge localization on the R moiety.