The mechanism of formation of volatile hydrides by tetrahydroborate(III) derivatization: A mass spectrometric study performed with deuterium labeled reagents

A reaction model for hydride generation is proposed accounting for primary reactions giving rise to hydride formation through reaction intermediates, as well as side reactions involving D-H exchange and decomposition of reactive hydroboron species, reaction intermediates and final products. Hydrides are formed by direct hydrogen transfer from boron to the analyte atom, most likely through concerted mechanisms taking place via reaction intermediates.