A MASS-SPECTRAL INVESTIGATION OF MACROHETEROBICYCLIC CROWN-ETHERS ANDTHEIR LITHIUM AND POTASSIUM COMPLEXES IN THE GAS-PHASE

Mass spectral measurements of complex ions MX(+) formed from a bicycli c-molecule (M), which comprises a macroheterocyclic crown ether and a polyoxyethylene chain linked with two thioamido groups on a diaza-3n-c rown-n-poly-ether, together with an X(+) ion (X=H, Li or K) are discus sed. The use of fast-atom/ion bombardment mass spectra and particularl y collision-induced dissociation and mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra enabled an estimate of the site of the localization of X(+) an d the relative bond strength inside the collisionally-activated host-g uest complex ion in the gas phase to be made.