Analysis of trimethylsilyl O-methyloximes of carbohydrates by combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Roger A. Laine, Michigan State University
Charles C. Sweeley, Michigan State University

Abstract

We have concluded that the O-methyloxime derivative effectively "labels" the carbonyl portion of the surgar, and probably contributes to the stability of ions containing that part of the molecule. Electron impact-induced cleavage of the carbon-carbon bonds in the sugar, with charge retention on either fragment, provides a mass spectrum that may be used to analyze substituents on any carbon. We have examined the mass spectra of several classes of sugars, as their -O-methyloxime trimethylsilyl ethers, and as their -O-methyloxime peracetates and in most cases ions are found corresponding to the fragmentation pattern proposed here (unpublished results). In addition, the gas-liquid chromatographic retention behavior of these compounds suggests that they may be useful for quantitative determination of carbohydrates. © 1971.