The mass spectra of succinimides, hydantoins, oxazolidinediones and other medicinal anti‐epileptic agents

The mass spectra of the following common anti‐epileptic agents; phensuximide, methsuximide, ethosuximide, ethotoin, mephenytoin, diphenylhydantoin, trimethadione, paramethadione, primidone and phenacemide, have been recorded and interpreted. In addition the mass spectra of succinimide, α‐phenylsuccinimide and the N‐deuterated derivative of ethotoin were studied. The investigated compounds fragment in an interesting manner and give rise to stable ions by which means they are readily identified. The most diagnostic fragmentation in the majority of the spectra was the expulsion of a (CO)2NR fragment from the molecular ion.