Abstract
We report an on-line coupling of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) using a modified commercial electrospray ionization (ESI) interface. Selected oligomer profiles for the sodiated (1+ through 5+ charge states) oligomer ions of a narrow-molecular-weight poly(methyl methacrylate) were generated and used for obtaining a calibration curve. Using the MS-generated calibration curve and the refractive index response for quantification, an accurate molecular weight distribution was calculated and showed an excellent agreement with the value specified by the supplier. GPC/ESI/FTMS also allowed for an unequivocal end-group determination and characterization of a secondary distribution due to the formation of cyclic reaction products. We analyzed a glycidyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate copolymer with a broad molecular weight distribution, where fractionation and high resolving power were required for adequate characterization. Molecular weight distribution data showed the advantage of coupling high-resolution MS and GPC to overcome the difficulty of analyzing polydisperse polymers with MS alone.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
