Fast atom bombardment-induced condensation of glycerol with ammonium surfactants. I: Regioselectivity of the adduct formation.

Fast atom bombardment promotes condensation between trimethyl tetradecyl ammonium cations and the glycerol matrix. Bond formation at both the head and tail of the surfactant is demonstrated by low energy collision-induced dissociation (ClD) of deuterium-labeled precursors, with a preponderance of the reaction apparently occurring at the tail. Two distinct ClD pathways are identified for each kind of adduct (head- and tail-attack). Evidence is presented for the detection of distonic radical cations of the surfactant, complexed (solvated) with glycerol.