Phosphazenes: high molecular weight reference compounds for field desorption mass spectrometry

Abstract

Because of poor field ionization sensitivity or an insufficient number of peaks, conventional reference materials are inadequate for field desorption mass spectrometry. Hexakis (multifluoroalkoxy)cyclotriphosphazenes satisfy a growing need for high molecular weight reference compounds amenable to either electron impact or field ionization. In comparison with tris(perfluoroalkyl)-s-triazine standards, the substituted phosphazenes offer greater volatility, easier synthesis and better mass spectral characteristics. Phosphazene mixtures, in particular, cover a broad mass range in either ionization mode, creating new measurement capabilities for ions at high masses.