Mass spectrometric and PM5 study of N-(2-pyridyl)-aminomethyldiphoshonic acids and their complexes with alkali cations

Four N-(2-pyridyl)aminomethyldiphoshonic acids have been synthesized and the formation of the complexes between them and alkali cations were studied by the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). The ESI spectra have evidenced formation of various types of complexes of the acids and monovalent cations, directly related to the formation of respective mono- and disalts of the acids. The main fragmentation path of the acids and their complexes is realized by the elimination of H2O or H3PO3 molecules. The structures of the acids and their complexes with monovalent cations have been calculated by the PM5 method. The structure and the stabilization role of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds for the complexes are discussed.