Stereochemistry of retro-diel-salder fragmentation in gas-phase ions formed by chemical ionization

Abstract

Retro Diels Alder fragmentation is highly stereospecific in the diones 1 under chemical ionization conditions, both with methane and isobutane as the reagent gases. Only the cis-isomers yield abundant protonated diene and quinone ions. The isotope effect indicates preferential protonation on a CO oxygen, and a subsequent H-migration prior to the formation of the protonated diene cations in the cis isomers. © 1978.