Unstable ion

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-013680",
  "term": "Unstable ion",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An ion that possesses excess internal energy, leading to its fragmentation or rearrangement into more stable species within a short timeframe. This instability can arise from the ionization process itself or from subsequent energetic collisions. The lifetime of an unstable ion is generally too brief to be observed as a distinct peak in a mass spectrum under typical conditions.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "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 1550 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/unstable-ion/"
}