Tandem mass spectral studies of the fragmentation pathways of organotin compounds of general formula R3SnR '

Positive ion-electron impact (EI) mass spectra of organotin compounds of th e type R3SnR', where R = Ph, n-Bu, n-Pe and R' = allyl, vinyl, H and Ph, ha ve been recorded. The spectra were also examined by tandem mass spectrometr y (MS-MS) in order to establish fragmentation reaction mechanisms for compo unds bearing mixed substituents. Fragmentation patterns of six organotin co mpounds, based on precursor-product ion relationships are proposed. Signifi cant differences were found in the reaction pathways of organotin compounds with different substituents, This technique has potential to predict the e ffect of substitution on the mass spectra of organotin compounds, Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.