Low Resolution Electron Impact Mass Spectra of Some Quinuclidine andN-Methylpiperidine Glycolates

Quinuclidine and N-methylpiperidine glycolates of the general formula PhC(OH)(R)COOR', where Ph is phenyl, R is phenyl or alkyl, and R' the cyclic amine moiety, are known antidepressant and hallucinogenic compounds. Mass spectra of these are scarcely described in the literature and are the subject of this communication. Low resolution electron impact spectra were studied at 70 and low electron volts. The main fragmentation patterns and rearrangements, supported by study of deuterated analogs, are described. Determination of M+ and two other characteristic ions gives a good knowledge of the compound at hand while recognition of a few more fragments is necessary for an exact knowledge of the specific structure. The spectra and availability of deuterated analogs may lead to development of specific, sensitive methods of analysis for these biologically active compounds.