Mass spectral studies on quadruply bonded molybdenum complexes, Mo₂(S₂PF₂)₄ and Mo₂(S₂PMe₂)₄

Abstract

The electron impact mass spectrum of Mo₂(S₂PF₂)₄ shows the molecular ion which releases a PF₂ group to produce the most abundant ion, Mo₂S₈P₃F. This ion fragments by releasing a series of groups such as PF₂, PFS and PF₂S, For Mo₂(S₂PMe₂)₄ Desorption Chemical Ionization (DCI) technique is required to see the molecular ion. The parent ion fragments by the loss of Me₂S, PMe₂S and PMe₃ groups. Loss of PMe₃ from molecular ion suggests rearrangement before fragmentation-a process not observed for Mo₂(S₂PF₂)₄. The difference in mass spectral fragmentation patterns is in agreement with the different structures of the two compounds.