EI‐MS fragmentation routes of CWC‐related organoarsenic compounds: The electron ionization and DFT studies

RATIONALE

For unambiguous identification of Chemical Weapons Convention-related chemicals in environmental and biological samples, access to mass spectra and expertise in spectral interpretation is required. As of today, there is no mass spectrum available for dialkyl alkylarsonodithioites in the literature. Therefore, it is essential to obtain spectral information about these compounds.

METHODS

The CWC-related organoarsenic compounds were synthesized and analyzed by GC-MS, and their retention index (RI) was calculated by Van Den Dool’s method. The relationship between RI and DFT-calculated polarizability (⍺) and molecular weight was also studied. Electron ionization (EI) mode was used to investigate the general fragmentation patterns of the synthesized compounds. A DFT analysis of some major fragment ions was performed in order to confirm the fragmentation pathways.

RESULTS

A linear relationship between RI and ⍺ is observed. The mass spectra of compounds 5-7 are affected by alkyl groups on sulfur and arsenic atom. The molecular ion of compounds 5-7 can be observed in their EI-MS with relatively good abundance. EI-MS studies revealed some interesting fragmentation pathways, such as the formation of arsenic analogue of benzilic and tropylium in EI-MS of chemicals 6.

CONCLUSIONS

By analyzing the mass spectra and RI values, it is possible to detect CWC-related chemicals in aqueous, blood, and urine samples during an on-site or off-site inspection.