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Related Concept Videos

Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Fragmentation Overview01:20

Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Fragmentation Overview

The ionization of a molecule into a molecular ion inside the mass spectrometer causes instability in the molecule's structure due to the loss of an electron. This eventually leads to the fragmentation or breaking of some bonds in the molecule. The fragmentation occurs predominantly at specific bonds to yield relatively stable fragments.
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: Amine Fragmentation00:55

Mass Spectrometry: Amine Fragmentation

Amines can be identified using mass spectroscopy based on their characteristic fragmentation patterns. The molecular ions of amines undergo fragmentation via ⍺-cleavage. The ⍺-cleavage of the carbon-carbon bonds in amines generates an alkyl radical and resonance-stabilized nitrogen-containing cation.
In amines, the number of nitrogen atoms affects the mass of the molecular ion, which is described by the nitrogen rule of mass spectrometry. This rule states that a compound containing a single or...
Mass Spectrometry: Carboxylic Acid, Ester, and Amide Fragmentation01:01

Mass Spectrometry: Carboxylic Acid, Ester, and Amide Fragmentation

The fragmentation patterns observed for compounds such as carboxylic acids, esters, and amides in the mass spectra include ⍺-cleavage and McLafferty rearrangement. Fragmentation by ⍺-cleavage preferentially occurs at the carbon-carbon bond at the ⍺-position next to the carboxylic group to generate a neutral radical and a cation. Long chain compounds with hydrogen at their γ-carbon undergo McLafferty rearrangement to give a radical cation and a neutral alkene.
For example, the fragmentation of...
Mass Spectrometry of Amines01:15

Mass Spectrometry of Amines

In mass spectroscopy, amines undergo fragmentation to give parent ions with odd molecule weights. This observed mass spectrum follows the nitrogen rule; a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms produces a molecular ion with an odd molecular weight. Amines undergo fragmentation through α cleavage, producing nitrogen-containing cations—iminium ions—and alkyl radicals. Mass spectra of aromatic and cyclic aliphatic amines exhibit strong molecular ion peaks, but acyclic aliphatic amines show...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers.  Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
Mass Spectrometry: Cycloalkene Fragmentation00:54

Mass Spectrometry: Cycloalkene Fragmentation

The molecular ions of cycloalkenes undergo fragmentation via a retro-Diels–Alder reaction.

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Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
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Molecule fragmentation at the Dresden EBIS-A.

M Kreller1, G Zschornack, U Kentsch

  • 1Institute of Applied Physics, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany.

The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Molecule fragmentation of propane was studied using a room-temperature electron beam ion source. Higher electron currents shifted fragment distribution towards CH(x)(+) ions, impacting ion current output.

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Area of Science:

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Plasma Physics
  • Ion Source Technology

Background:

  • Electron beam ion sources (EBIS) are crucial for generating highly charged ions.
  • Understanding molecule fragmentation in EBIS is essential for optimizing ion production and applications.
  • Propane fragmentation provides insights into hydrocarbon behavior under electron impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fragmentation patterns of propane molecules in a high-density electron beam.
  • To analyze the influence of electron beam parameters on fragment ion yields.
  • To characterize the performance of the Dresden EBIS-A for molecular fragmentation.

Main Methods:

  • Propane molecules were fragmented using a room-temperature electron beam ion source (Dresden EBIS-A).
  • Fragment ions were extracted and separated based on their charge-to-mass ratio (q/A) using a bifocal dipole magnet.
  • Fragmentation spectra were recorded across a range of electron beam currents (29-75 mA), energies (11-15 keV), and pressures (10^-9 to 10^-8 mbar).

Main Results:

  • All possible stoichiometric ratios of propane fragments were detected.
  • At low currents, CH(x)(+) and C(2)H(x)(+) fragment yields were similar.
  • At higher currents, CH(x)(+) fragments dominated, with the C(+) to CH(x)(+) ratio increasing from 2:1 to 3:1.
  • Working gas pressure affected total ion current but not fragment distribution.

Conclusions:

  • Electron beam current significantly influences propane fragmentation pathways and ion yields.
  • The Dresden EBIS-A demonstrates capability for detailed molecular fragmentation studies.
  • Results provide fundamental data for understanding hydrocarbon dissociation in electron-driven environments.