Mass Spectra of β-Keto Esters

The mass spectra of several γ-substituted β-keto esters have been recorded and interpreted. The fragmentation patterns are compared to those of α-substituted β-keto esters and are found to be very useful in differentiating the α- and γ-substituted isomers. The mass spectral fragmentation schemes are dominated by cleavages α to the carbonyl groups and by McLafferty rearrangements.