ESI-MS Fragmentation Pathways of α-Hydroxy Phosphonates

The fragmentation pathways of α-hydroxy phosphonates are studied with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS).Some different fragmentation pathways between + and + are observed in the ESI-MS/MS.The striking feature of the MS/MS spectra of the + ions is the expulsion of water and H3PO3 group.This maybe is a reason for their using in flame retardance.The main fragmentation pathway of + is losing NO2 and C6H5CHO,then leaving a HOC4H9 to form a fragment ion at m/z 143.The mechanism of the possible fragmentation is advised.