An insight into the gas-phase fragmentations of potential molecular sensors with porphyrin-chalcone structures

- Potential molecular sensors with porphyrin-chalcone structures were analyzed by ESI-MS.
- Diagnostic fragment ions, due to conjugated CC and CO double bonds in the chalcone moiety were observed for all the meta and para chalcones.
- Differentiation of the ortho isomers was achieved by identification of specific fragment ions.
- Fragmentation pathways involving hydrogen migration and cyclization were proposed.