Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
Fragmentation and gas phase aggregation processes in the laser desorption ionization of chlorodiaminotriazines
Paola Hurtado1, Ana R Hortal, Marta Cruz-Guzmán
1Departamento de Sistemas Físicos Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
Abstract:
Fragmentation and supramolecular aggregation induced during the laser desorption/ionization (LDI) of four chlorodiaminotriazines (simazine, atrazine, terbutylazine and propazine) have been investigated. The laser wavelength employed (266 nm) lies within the first absorption band of the four triazines. The main fragmentation channel observed involves the prompt cleavage of the Cl atom, followed by partial or total fragmentation of the side alkyl chains. Breakage of the triazinic ring becomes efficient at moderate laser powers; however, the deamination of the triazine is not observed to take place. In addition, the formation of both covalent and non-covalent triazinic aggregates in the desorption plume is found to be particularly efficient. Aggregates as large as heptamers are neatly detected, with the observation that those with the most intense signal involve the dechlorinated triazinic fragment. Both aggregation and fragmentation are largely suppressed upon dilution of the triazine under matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Alkyl Halide Fragmentation
Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Fragmentation Overview
One type of fragmentation pattern is the cleavage of a single bond in the molecular ion. The cleavage leads to a radical and a cation. The cleavage can occur at...
Mass Spectrometry: Carboxylic Acid, Ester, and Amide Fragmentation
For example, the fragmentation of...
Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
Diazonium Group Substitution: –OH and –H

