NEGATIVE-ION FRAGMENTATION PATHWAYS IN 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE

The mass spectrum of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene vapour in air was recorded and the negative-ion fragmentation pathways of the molecular anion wer e investigated down to the fourth generation. The dissociation of the parent anion led to the production of three fragment anions with masse s 46, 197 and 210 u where the last two daughter ions initiated two ent irely separate fragmentation pathways. These pathways were studied and the fragmentation mechanisms identified. The background negative-ion mass spectrum, generated by the glow discharge ion source in the airst ream which carries the sample vapour into the source, was examined in detail and assignment of this mass spectrum is included.