MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER-DESORPTION IONIZATION OF SYNTHETIC-POLYMERS WITH AZO COMPOUND MATRICES

Azo-compounds have been found to be very good cationization matrix mat erials for synthetic polymers in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ioni zation at 337 nm laser irradiance. These azo-compounds have been succe ssfully used for the desorption of synthetic polymers such as polyethy lene glycol, polystyrene and polybutadiene (phenyl terminated). Cation ization of the synthetic polymers is more efficient with these matrice s than with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinna mic acid. Both the sensitivity and the resolution are improved. The pr operties and efficiency of these azo compounds were studied with a ser ies of polyethylene glycol samples. The use of these matrices for anal ysis of non-polar polymers such as polystyrene and polybutadiene Is al so demonstrated.