Two competitive INC-mediated reactions in the gas-phase fragmentation of protonated indolyl benzo[b]carbazoles

Abstract

Rationale: Ion-neutral complexes (INCs) are intermediates extensively existing in gas-phase ionic reactions. Methods: Tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) analysis of indolyl benzo[b]carbazoles was performed on an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (ESI-Q-TOF) mass spectrometer in positive ion mode. Results: Two competing INC-mediated reactions were obtained in the fragmentation of protonated indolyl benzo[b]-carbazoles. Conclusions: This study enriches our knowledge of the important roles of INCs in the dissociation of indole compounds in the gas phase. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.