Redox reactions occurring during secondary ion mass spectrometry of some heteroanthracycline antitumor antibiotic precursors.

Abstract

Positive and negative secondary ion mass spectra of the title compounds were produced by bombardment of solid deposits by 13 and 23 KeV cesium ions, respectively, and analyzed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. In addition to familiar protonation and alkali (mainly sodium) ion addition processes observed in the positive ion spectra and proton abstractions in the negative ion spectra (which enable determination of molecular weight) there is evidence from both spectral modes for oxidation-reduction processes in which species such as [M - H]+, [M - H + Na]+. and [M + 1]- are formed. It is argued that these may be formed rapidly from pre-associated molecules during bombardment/ionization rather than as a result of radiation damage. Sodium ion addition is apparently facilitated by the presence of electron pair donor groups, especially if chelation is possible.