Electron ionization mass spectra of novel 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-β-D-fructopyranose derivatives and related sugar sulfamates

The electron‐impact (EI) mass spectral fragmentation of ten bis‐O‐ (1‐methylethylidene)fructopyranose derivatives and three related sugar sulfamates were investigated. In particular, 2,3:4,5‐bis‐O ‐ (1‐methylethylidene)‐β‐D‐fructopyranose sulfamate (topiramate), a potent anticonvulsant, was examined in greater detail. The fragmentation of the 2,3:4,5‐bis‐O‐(1‐methylethylidene) fructopyranose derivatives in general was not very dependent on the nature of substitution; the mechanisms of the common and unique fragmentation patterns are presented. These compounds showed characteristic peaks at m/z [M – 15]+, [M – 15 – 58]+, [M – 15 – 58 – 60]+, [M  CH2X]+ and [M  CH2X – 58]+ where X = OSO2NR2 (R  H, CH3, and/or Ph), OC (O)NHR, NH2, CI and OH. The fragmentation of isomeric bis‐O‐(1‐methylethylidene) derivatives of aldopyranose, ketopyranose and ketofuranose sulfamates was also investigated. The results indicate that isomeric sugar sulfamates can be easily distinguished in the EI mode. Key fragmentation pathways are discussed for these compounds.