Identification of Trimer and Dimer of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde in crystal structure of Vanillin

Abstract

The effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on the molecular structure of vanillin has been studied using negative ion chemical ionization (NICl) mass spectrometry methods. The [Trimer-H2O] and [Dimer-H2O] were observed at m/z 438 and 286 respectively in NICl (CH4) mass spectrum of vanillin. The NICl (Cl) mass spectrum of vanillin differs where deprotonated molecular ion peak, [monomer-H] at m/z,151 was the second most abundant ion peak. The base ion peak was observed at m/z,187 due to the presence of monomer+35Cl. The [Trimer-H2O] and [Dimer - H2O] were not detected due to the presence of chloride ion. The results obtained support that the crystal of vanillin consists of trimer and dimer of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde.

Keywords 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde, vanillin, intermolecular hydrogen bonding.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 9(1): 101-104)