The elimination of carbon monoxide from molecular ions of phenol and other [C6H6O]+˙ isomers

Abstract

AbstractPhenol and five acyclic isomeric compounds have been investigated using electron impact and field ionization techniques, mass analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometry and collision induced dissociation mass analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometry. The kinetic energy release data corresponding to the elimination of carbon monoxide from the molecular ions show that at least two structures of the reactant ion are involved. The electron impact and field ionization collision induced dissociation mass analysed ion kinetic energy spectra indicate that under electron impact conditions, the phenol ion partially isomerizes to another ion structure. An isomerization of about 40% to the structure of cis‐2‐hexen‐4‐yn‐1‐al is in good accordance with the spectral data.