Characterization and mass spectral analysis of some grayanotoxin derivatives

The mass spectra of grayanotoxin III and some of its mono-, di-, and tri-ester derivatives are discussed. Some of the physiological reponses of this compound class are also presented. The extraction of this material from a natural source is discussed as well as the schemes for ester derivatization and spectral characterization of all compounds studied. High resolution mass spectral analysis and comparison of the mass spectra of similar compounds were used to define possible fragmentation mechanisms.