The electron‐impact‐induced fragmentation of aromatic aldoximes: I

Abstract

Abstract Primary fragmentations of benzaldoxime include loss of H·, OH·, HCN, CO and HCNO and this paper discusses the first three losses. The previously reported losses of H 2 O and O were proven to be thermal in origin. Information about the investigated fragmentations was obtained from the deuterated analogues and their metastable characteristics. The OH· elimination is complex. The loss of HCN exhibits a metastable with a composite structure. This fragmentation may occur both via a 4‐centred and 5‐centred mechanism. A fluorine atom at the ortho position of the phenyl ring favours the 5‐centred mechanism.