Study on N-Nitrosoureas by Electron Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The mass spectrometric characteristics of N- methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) were investigated by electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry in a multi-stage MS full scan mode. The mass spectra were interpreted according to the fragments of these compounds and their fragmentation patterns were proposed. The results showed that the strong [M+H]⁺ ion cluster was obtained in the positive mode when the sample dissolved in acetonitrile. During the process of collision induced dissociation, they underwent the neutral loss of NO and HOCN. These characteristics can be applied further to the elucidation of the fragmentation pathways.