Doubly charged ion mass spectra: 1‐Aliphatic nitriles

Abstract

Abstract The doubly charged ion mass spectra for 12 aliphatic nitriles (1–9 carbon atoms) have been obtained using an Hitachi RMU‐7L double focusing mass spectrometer. These spectra show some characteristic features such as extensive loss of hydrogen and the grouping of ions in the spectra into n ‐1 groups where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule ( n <6). There are no indications of HCN or CN loss in the doubly charged ion spectra of the monosubstituted nitriles. SCF calculations of the energy and structure of doubly charged ions in the propionitrile spectra have been carried out.