Abstract

The electrospray ionisation (ESI) of selected coumarin derivatives and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion trap mass spectrometer have been investigated. Sequential product ion fragmentation experiments (MSn) were performed in order to elucidate the degradation pathways for these compounds. A comparison was also made between these ESI spectra and those obtained under electron impact (EI) conditions. The data presented in this paper provides useful information on the effect of different substituents on the ionisation/fragmentation processes and can be used in the characterisation of these compounds. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.