The unexpected gas-phase reactivity of the CH3OH adduct of Michler?s hydrol blue: Proton-shuttle catalysis and stepwise radical expulsions

Abstract

Electrospray ionization of a methanolic solution of Michler?s hydrol blue, bis(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)methyl tetrafluoroborate, 1+BF4?, produces the formal methanol adduct [1+ CH3OH], which shows an unusual gas-phase chemistry.

Keywords

• Carbenium ions
• Electrospray ionization
• Mass spectrometry
• Proton transfer