Contributions to the Interpretation of Mass Spectra of the TEOS Methoxy-Transesters. Linked Scans, Accurate Mass Measurements and M+1, M+2 Isotopic Effects

The aim of this article is the study of the fragmentation reactions of the methoxy-transesters of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), with structural formula (CH3O)x(C2H5O)ySi, initiated by electronic impact in the ionization chamber of a double focusing mass spectrometer. The initiation centers of fragmentation reactions for the neutral and ionized TEOS methoxy-transesters were established by quantum calculations of net atomic charges. The ions of the mass spectra of the TEOS methoxy-transesters were obtained experimentally by the B/E and B/E(1-E)1/2 linked scans. Thus, there can be written the fragmentation pathways for the primary events by B/E linked scan (cleavage of methoxy and ethoxy groups) and eliminations of neutral molecules (acetaldehyde, ethylene, formaldehyde, molecular hydrogen) by B/E(1-E)1/2 linked scan. Accurate mass measurements at high resolution (5000), double bond equivalent (DBE) for the molecular ions and fragmentation ions of the TEOS methoxy-transesters and M+1, M+2 isotopic effects were used to confirm their identification. The reaction pathways and accurate mass in mass spectrum of dimethoxydiethoxysilane (TR2M) are detailed.