Mass spectrometry of uronic acid derivatives. XI--Structure elucidation by mass spectrometry of aldobiouronic and pseudoaldobiouronic acids and their beta-elimination products as per-o-methyl derivatives.

Electron impact mass spectra of a series of aldobiouronic and pseudoaldobiouronic acid per-O-methyl derivatives and of the corresponding 4,5-unsaturated analogues, found normally among the products of methylation of uronic acid containing disaccharides as a result of methylation accompanying beta-elimination, have been studied. Using labelling experiments, metastable transition measurements and high resolution mass spectrometry, the fragmentation mechanisms of substances of this class have been deduced. Application of the information to the structure elucidation of this type of compound is discussed. It is concluded that from the mass spectra alone it is possible to determine the molecular weight, the cycle masses as well as the mode of linkage between the monomeric units. The appearance potentials of ions formed by cleavage of the glycosidic linkages have also been determined and the energetic differences encountered in the fission of the glycosidic linkages of various types of uronic acid containing oligosaccharides are discussed.