McLafferty rearrangement

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007063",
  "term": "McLafferty rearrangement",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A characteristic fragmentation pathway observed in mass spectrometry for molecules containing a carbonyl group and at least one hydrogen atom gamma to the carbonyl. This rearrangement involves a six-membered cyclic transition state, leading to the cleavage of a beta-bond and the formation of a neutral alkene and a new radical cation. It is a common fragmentation for ketones, aldehydes, and esters.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "transition state"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 207 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/mclafferty-rearrangement/"
}