A mass spectrometric peak for a carboxylate anion is observed in collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra recorded from negative ions derived from ortho isomers of hydroxyphenyl carbaldehydes and ketones. For example, CID spectra of 2-hydroxy derivatives of benzaldehyde, acetophenone. propiophenone, isobutyrophenone, and pivalophenone show peaks at m/z 45, 59, 73, 87, and 101 for the formate, acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and pivalate anions. respectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.