Synthesis of S-Pixyl Derivatives for Mass Spectrometric Applications

Synthesis of novel S-pixyls based on the thioxanthyl skeleton is described. Thioxanthone derivatives were prepared by a regioselective intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction and converted into S-pixyl derivatives by Grignard synthesis. S-Pixyl carbocations stabilised by electron donating groups on the thioxanthyl backbone produced exceptional mass spectra under (MA)LDI conditions (laser desorption ionisation, both with and without matrix), and can be detected down to femtomol levels.