Comparison of the tandem mass spectrometry analysis of compounds of general structure R2R ' SnPh, RR ' SnPh2 with R4Sn analogues

Positive ion-electron impact (EP) mass spectra of some novel organotin comp ounds have been recorded. These compounds were of the type Me2SnRR' (where R = Me, Ph and RI = Ph) and R2R'SnPh (where R = Me, n-Bu, n-Pe and R' = Me, a-Bu, n-Pe), The spectra were also examined by tandem mass spectrometry (M S-MS)in order to establish fragmentation reaction mechanisms for compounds bearing mixed substituents, particularly the effect of the presence of aryl substituents. In addition, the resultant El and MS-MS spectra for these co mpounds were compared with those of R4Sn (R=Me, Bu, Pe, Ph). The results sh ow that mixed substitution of tetra-alkyl/aryl compounds has a significant effect on the behaviour of these compounds in the mass spectrometer, This e ffect can be illustrated by examining the fragmentation reaction pathways f or the various compounds studied. Fragmentation patterns of nine organotin compounds,based on precursor-product ion relationships are proposed. This t echnique has the potential to predict the effect of substitution on the mas s spectra of organotin compounds and probably organolead and organogermaniu m compounds.