Electron impact and chemical ionisation mass spectrometry in the characterisation of organometallic silicon, germanium, tin and lead compounds.

The electron impact and chemical ionisation mass spectra of a number of organometallic derivatives of silicon, germanium, tin and lead, incorporating inter alia 2-bis(trimethylsilyl)methylpyridyl or cyclopentadienyl ligands have been recorded. Representative spectra are presented and illustrate the utility of these mass spectrometric techniques in the characterisation of such compounds, particularly so in light of the highly informative nature arising from their fragmentation patterns and the numerous isotopes of the nuclei involved. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.