Chiral recognition in the gas phase: Mass spectrometric studies of diastereomeric cobalt complexes.

Results of mass analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectra and kinetic energy release (KER) measurements of diastereomeric octahedral cobalt complexes indicate that these diastereomers can be distinguished in the gas phase. Four alkyl tartrate esters were complexed to cobalt trisacetylacetonate (Co(acac)3) in the presence of a chiral auxiliary, RR- and SS-threohydrobenzoin. Different KER values of the product ion generated from [Co(acac)2/D- or L-diisopropyl tartrate](+) reflect differences in the precursor ion structure. The dissociation pathway resulting in this product ion is believed to arise via a hydride transfer from the acetylacetonate ligand to the metal center with subsequent loss of neutral organic species. It has been established that two conditions are necessary for observation of chiral recognition in this system; (1) the cobalt complex must be octahedral and (2) a chemical kinetic resolving agent must be present during formation of the complex.