Application of secondary-electron capture negative-ion (SECNI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of metal-organic compounds.

The application of secondary-electron capture negative-ion (SECNI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of metal-organic compounds is described and typical examples are discussed. Negative-ion mass spectra are simple, molecular anions and ligand ions being the predominant species. Metallic or ligand impurities are readily identified by this technique, which makes it extremely useful for the determination of purity and formulation of metal-organic compounds. Because of its sensitivity, the technique is also valuable for trace metal analysis.