Positive and negative ion mass spectra of nitro- and polynitro-1,5- and -2,3-dimethylnaphthalenes

Abstract

The positive and negative ion 70 eV mass spectra of four nitro-1,5- and twelve nitro-2,3-dimethylnaphthalenes are reported. The major molecular ion fragmentations in both modes are elimination of NO₂·, OH·, and NO·. These fragmentation pathways are supported by metastable ion evidence in many instances and can be rationalised in terms of neighbouring group interactions and the stabilities of products formed. The elimination of the nitrite ion is a feature of negative ion fragmentation but is not observed to any extent in the positive ion mode.