Gas-phase oxidation and reduction of some 1-(2-benzothiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl formazans. Complex formation with transition metals under laser desorption ionization

AbstractFive differently substituted 1-(2-benzothiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl formazans were studied by laser desorption ionization (LDI) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The best explanation of the results is that the formazan molecules are photoionized to molecular radical ions, which then further react by ion–molecule reactions. Supporting this proposal was the abundant formation of [M − H]+ ions under LDI. These ions are not observed at all under either electron or chemical ionization. Under MALDI, the extent of the oxidation process is clearly dependent on the ability of the matrix to act as a reducing agent. With transition metals the formazans formed singly charged 1:2 metal:formazan complexes. The most stable electronic configuration of the complex determined the oxidation state of the metal regardless of its initial oxidation state. In some cases, this process also demanded a gas-phase reduction of the formazan. The ionization efficiency and affinity for complex formation depended on the substituent at the 3-phenyl group; both were increased by an electron donating substituent. The formazans were also tested as potential matrices for MALDI. Reasonable results were observed for several groups of compounds; however, only the piperazine ligands produced higher quality spectra with formazans than with common commercial matrices