Electron impact mass spectra of bifunctional steroids. The interaction between ionic and neutral fragments derived from the same parent ion

Apparent ‘long distance’ H transfers in the fragmentation of bifunctional steroids under electron impact result from an ‘intramolecular’ reaction between ionic and neutral fragments. These transfers are made possible by the independent rotation of the fragments and result from a compromise between their cross‐section and the velocity of separation of the fragments. They are compared with other processes previously described as involving the formation of a ‘complex’ between ionic and neutral fragments derived from the same parent ion.