Zinc nitrate anion complexes, [Zn(NO3)(3)](-) and [ZnO(NO3)(2)](-), were generated by electrospray ionization and studied by tandem mass spectrometry. Dissociation of [Zn(NO3)(3)](-) yields two direct fragments, [ZnO(NO3)(2)](-) and NO3-. In contrast, the [ZnO(NO3)(2)](-) complex produces several zinc-containing fragments. Three direct elimination products from [ZnO(NO3)(2)](-) are identified as [Zn(NO2)(NO3)](-), [ZnO2(NO3)](-), and [ZnO(NO3)](-). The [ZnO2(NO3)](-) product undergoes further elimination of O-2 to yield either [ZnO(NO2)](-) or [Zn(NO3)](-). Theory predicts a mixture of the product isomers, [ZnO(NO2)](-) and [Zn(NO3)](-), is formed due to similar energetics. The increased reactivity of [ZnO(NO3)(2)](-) is attributed to radical anion character on the unique oxygen atom. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.