Mass spectrometry of some furanocoumarins

Abstract

The mass spectra of two isomeric methoxyfuranocoumarins have been investigated using electron-impact ionisation. Unambiguous distinction between the two isomers is possible through a combination of conventional mass spectra with collision-induced dissociations of the molecular ions and of selected fragment ions. The fragmentation mechanisms of these and related molecular systems were investigated in an attempt to identify the fate of each oxygen atom under electron-impact conditions. To this end, 2-pyrone, benzpyrone (coumarin), benzofuran, and some of its structural isomers were synthesised and studied via metastable spectra, collisionally activated spectra, appearance potentials, and kinetic energy release. Only partial success was achieved in this investigation, but it was possible to write a mechanistic scheme consistent with the present findings and literature data. If valid, this scheme permits identification of two of the four oxygen atoms in the methoxyfuranocoumarins.