Characterization of Rhenium(V) Complexes with Phenols Using Mass Spectrometry with Selected Soft Ionization Techniques

The synthesis, characterization, and mass spectra of oxorhenium(V) complexes with 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, and 2,3-dihydroxynaphtalene are reported. Electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure photoionization, and laser desorption/ionization mass spectra of the complexes showed abundant negatively charged molecular anions and low fragmentation. Calculated similarity indexes showed significant conformity between the computed and experimental isotopic patterns of selected ions and confirmed correct assignment of elemental composition to m/z values. Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry provided essential information about fragments from molecular ions of studied complexes, making it possible to distinguish among fragment ions and the ions arising from compounds present in the reaction mixture. Based on the results, mass spectrometry utilizing soft common ionization techniques is useful for monitoring complex formation reaction kinetics and the stabilities of the complexes. Representative spectra were recorded for micromolar concentrations of the analytes.