Mass Spectra and Appearance Potentials of Diazirine and Diazomethane

Abstract

Appearance potentials have been determined for CH2+, CHN2+, and CH2N2+ in the mass spectra of diazirine (cyclic-CH2N2) and diazomethane. The spectrum of diazomethane previously reported in the literature was found to be in error, and has been reinvestigated. The heats of formation of diazirine and diazomethane are estimated to be 79·3 and 49·3 kcal/mole, respectively, while approximate heats of formation of CH2N2+ and CHN2+ derived from the two isomers suggest the possibility of common cation structures.