Mass spectra and molecular structure. Part I. Correlation studies and metastable transitions

Abstract

The method of structure determination from mass-spectra is usually based upon correlation studies. Recently the use of metastable transitions has been added to the methods of structure analysis. It is now suggested that these two approaches are not necessarily complementary and that in general the determination of the structure of a terpene from its ‘cracking-pattern’ is a matter of considerable difficulty.

These points are illustrated by examples from the mono- and sesqui-terpenes, and sesqui-terpene alcohols, the spectra of which are here reported.