Mass spectra of some oxadiazole derivatives

The mass spectra of some substituted oxadiazoles have been determined and analysed with the aid of high resolution mass spectrometry. Some characteristic and major differences between their spectra have been noted, and possible rationalizations have been advanced. The main fragmentation patterns of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives have been interpreted in terms of diazirine intermediates. Specific skeletal rearrangement processes have been observed in the spectra of the 1,3,4- and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, and possible mechanisms are proposed.