Electron impact fragmentation mechanisms of some cyclic esters with helical structures

The electron impact mass spectra of several cyclic esters with helical structures have been studied. Their fragmentation pathways were proposed and confirmed by mass‐analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) and high‐resolution data. In general, the dominant fragmentation pathways in the spectra of these compounds originate from a α‐cleavage with loss of a hydrogen or methyl group. The difference between hydrogen and methyl group loss greatly affects the subsequent fragmentations. Although, due to their helicity, these cyclic esters are optically active no stereo‐related fragmentation pathway was observed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.