Low-energy, low-temperature mass spectra. Part 3. n-Pentyl n-alkyl ethers

The 12.1 eV electron-impact-induced mass spectra of five homologous pentyl alkyl ethers (n-C5H11OR; R = CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, n-C4H9, and n-C5H11) are reported. The trends in these spectra are discussed in energetic terms and compared with the spectrum of the parent alcohol. Ethyl radical loss occurs from the molecular ion of each ether; a mechanism for this unusual reaction is suggested and discussed.