Stable Negative-Ion Isomers in the Gas Phase. C₇H₇O^- Species

Abstract

The C₇H₇O^- ions formed by deprotonation of benzyl alcohol, norbornadien-7-ol and quadricyclin-7-ol are discrete species which all fragment by competitive losses of H, H₂, CH₂O and C₆H₆ on collisional activation. The isomeric ion from norbornen-2-one behaves differently undergoing retro cleavage to form HC₂O^- and C₅H₅^- as product ions. The three deprotonated cresols are also distinct species. Anisole is deprotonated (by amide ion) to form both PhOCH₂- and (C₆H₄)^-OMe, ions which equilibrate prior to elimination of formaldehyde.