Chemical ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry of chemical warfare agent simulants using laser produced metal ions
In an initial investigation of the potential utility of chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry of selected analogs of chemical warfare agents using metal ions, the reactions of manganese ions with chloroalkyl sulfides and organophosphonates have been followed in a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Mn{sup +} ions, produced by UV laser radiation focused on a stainless steel target, react rapidly with each molecule studied to provide characteristic mass spectra. The manganese ion CI mass spectra are compared to mass spectra obtained via electron impact (EI) and methane CI.