Mass Spectra of α-Substituted o-Methoxybenzyl Alcohols

Abstract

The mass spectra of various α-alkyl and α, α-dialkyl-o-methoxybenzyl alcohols were measured, and their fragmentation pathways were discussed. With the aid of metastable ion peaks and of the spectra of some deuterated derivatives, the mechanism of the fragmentation was deduced and compared with those of simple benzyl alcohols and anisole. Considerable effects of the α-substituents on the fragmentation pathway is observed and interpreted by taking into accounts the easiness of the Cα-Calkyl bond fission.