Amines in Mass Spectra

Amines in mass spectra show a clear pattern that helps identify them. Their parent ions often have odd molecular weights, which follows the nitrogen rule. That rule says a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms gives a molecular ion with an odd molecular weight.

Amines also break apart in ...

In mass spectrometry, molecules are ionized and broken down into relatively stable, smaller species.

In a mass spectrometer, amines undergo fragmentation by breaking the bond between α  and β carbons—also called α cleavage— producing an iminium ion and an alkyl radical.

The mass spectrum of an amine follows the nitrogen rule—a comp...