NEGATIVE-ION FAST-ATOM-BOMBARDMENT MASS-SPECTROMETRY OF SULFONYLUREA HERBICIDES

Seven sulfonylurea herbicides were studied using negative-ion fast ato m bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS). The spectra were characteris tic of the structure of the examined herbicides with fragmentation at the sulfonylurea bridge representing both aromatic moieties. The fragm entation pattern was established based on the FAB-B/E mass spectrometr y/mass spectrometry linked-scan spectra. Background-subtracted negativ e ion FAB-MS spectra of the herbicides exhibit [M-1](-) peaks and thei r fragmentation products. Application of triethylenetetramine as a FAB matrix resulted in enhanced fragmentation. The 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol FAB spectra typically exhibited high-abundance [M-1](-) peaks and fewe r fragment peaks.