Some aspects of the negative ion mass spectrometry of complex organic molecules

Abstract

The negative ion mass spectrometry of complex organic molecules is still a relatively unexplored field. Following a brief summary of the mechanistic approach adopted in positive ion work, this paper considers the problem of the relative stabilities of parent molecular anions. An interpretation based upon electron localisation is described, and then employed to rationalise the negative ion mass spectral behaviour of aromatic nitro-compounds, triphenylphosphine oxide and derivatives of dibenzophosphinic acid.