Negative Ion Mass Spectra of Hydrocarbons and Alcohols

Abstract

The complete negative ion mass spectra and relative sensitivity for positive and negative ion formation in various organic compounds are herein reported for the first time. These compounds include methane, the C₂^— hydrocarbons, n‐butane, and all of the alkyl alcohols through the butyls. A limited comparison of the observed ionic patterns with molecular structure and chemical properties manifests a correlation. Relative sensitivities for positive and negative ion formation in these compounds show that formation of positive ions is about four orders of magnitude more probable than formation of negative ions under the conditions used in this study.