The MS/MS fragmentation of the alkali metal complexes of monensin A are studied. The increase in alkali metal ionic radii decreases the ability of the Grob-Wharton fragmentation mechanism to occur and reduces the overall degree of fragmentation. Conversely, the electronegativity of the metal cation is related to the number of fragment ions observed.
Polyether ionophore; Monensin; Alkali metal complex; Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
