MASS-SPECTRAL FRAGMENTATION STUDIES OF N,N-LINKED BIPYRIDONES UNDER ELECTRON-IMPACT

The mass spectra of seven new NN-linked bipyridones and four of their mono- and dications have been examined at 70 eV. As a general trend the base ions of the N,N-linked bipyridones (1a-d) and (2a-e) are the parent ions whereas the mono- (3a, b) and the dications (4a, b) showed their bare ions by loss of chlorine or HCl, HBF4 respectively from the molecular ions. On the other hand the N,N-linked bipyridones were characterised by the expulsion of two carbon monoxide molecules. The corresponding monocations were distinguished by hydrogen radical elimination prior to the elimination of carbon monoxide. The analogous dication underwent fragmentation via elimination of a couple of hydrogen radical before elimination of two carbon monoxide molecules.