electron ionization

in mass spectrometry
synonyms: electron impact ionization, electron impact
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E01999
This is the term used to describe ionization of any species by electrons. The process may, for example, be written:
  • for atoms or molecules: \[\rm{M} + e \rightarrow \rm{M}^{+\cdot } + 2e\]
  • for radicals: \[\rm{M}^{\cdot}  + e \rightarrow \rm{M}^{+} + 2e\]
The term 'electron impact' should not be used.
See: radical ion
See also: photoionization
Source:
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 1547 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'electron ionization' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E01999 RIS BibTex EndNote
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