Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems-CCIV. Spectra of hydantoins II. Electron impact induced fragmentation of some substituted hydantoins.

The mass spectral decomposition modes of hydantoin and derivatives containing alkyl and phenyl substituents have been investigated using isotopic labeling techniques. The loss of carbon monoxide from the molecular ions of these compounds was shown to preferentially involve the C-4 carbonyl group. Other fragmentation processes characteristic of the hydantoin ring system and the effect on this of alkyl and phenyl substitution are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]