Comparison of the tandem mass spectrometry analysis of compounds of general structure R2R′SnPh, RR′SnPh2 with R4Sn analogues

Positive ion-electron impact (El) mass spectra of some novel organotin compounds have been recorded. These compounds were of the type Me 2 SnRR' (where R = Me, Ph and R' = Ph) and R 2 R'SnPh (where R = Me, n-Bu, n-Pe and R' = Me, n-Bu, n-Pe). The spectra were also examined by tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) in order to establish fragmentation reaction mechanisms for compounds bearing mixed substituents, particularly the effect of the presence of aryl substituents. In addition, the resultant EI and MS-MS spectra for these compounds were compared with those of R 4 Sn (R = Me, Bu, Pe, Ph). The results show that mixed substitution of tetra-alkyl/aryl compounds has a significant effect on the behaviour of these compounds in the mass spectrometer. This effect can be illustrated by examining the fragmentation reaction pathways for the various compounds studied. Fragmentation patterns of nine organotin compounds, based on precursor-product ion relationships are proposed. This technique has the potential to predict the effect of substitution on the mass spectra of organotin compounds and probably organolead and organogermanium compounds.