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Valence‐change in the mass spectra of metal complexes
Author(s) -
Lacey M. J.,
Shan J. S.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
organic mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 0030-493X
DOI - 10.1002/oms.1210060814
Subject(s) - mass spectrum , valence (chemistry) , chemistry , metal , ion , spectral line , valence electron , dissociation (chemistry) , electron transfer , radical , inorganic chemistry , photochemistry , electron , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , astronomy
A review article is presented relating to the concept of valence‐change in the mass spectra of metal‐containing compounds. It is found that the modes of ion dissociation in these spectra are markedly dependent on the oxidation states normally assumed by the metal concerned and it is postulated that electron‐transfer may be possible between the complexed metal atom and its ligands in the ion, such that the odd‐ or even‐electron character of the ion is inter‐changeable. Ion reactions such as the consecutive loss of two radicals are normally of low probability in the mass spectra of organic compounds, but are often observed in the mass spectra of metal‐containing compounds and can be rationalized in terms of the valence‐change concept. Convincing evidence for valence‐change in some spectra is provided by the occurrence of reactions leading to the bare metal ion, or to the loss of neutral fragments containing the metal atom in a lower oxidation state than in the precursor molecule. Further applications of the concept may be found in the rationalization of the mass spectra of inorganic and organometallic compounds.