Α-cleavage

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-000147",
  "term": "Α-cleavage",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A fragmentation pathway in mass spectrometry where a bond breaks adjacent to a heteroatom or a multiple bond. This process typically involves the homolytic cleavage of a bond to an atom directly attached to a radical site, leading to the formation of a new radical and a stable molecule or ion. It is a common fragmentation mechanism observed in alcohols, ethers, amines, and carbonyl compounds.",
  "synonyms": [
    "alpha-cleavage"
  ],
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "functional group",
    "Norrish Type I photoreaction",
    "α-elimination",
    "chromophore"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1558 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)",
    "PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 302 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/a-cleavage/"
}