Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of syntheticpolymers. 4. Coupling of size exclusion chromatography and MALDI-TOF usinga spray-deposition interface

Size exclusion chromatography and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can be effect ively coupled via a robotic interface, where chromatographic fractions are sprayed directly onto a moving MALDI-TOF target through a heated capillary nozzle. The target is precoated with an appropriate matrix, such as dithran ol. For polydisperse synthetic polymers a continuous track of matter is dep osited onto the matrix surface. After deposition of the sample fractions, t he MALDI-TOF target is introduced into the spectrometer, and spectra are ta ken from different positions of the polymer track. As a result, well-resolv ed spectra are obtained which are characteristic for different molar mass f ractions of the sample. In the case of copolymers, information on molar mas s and copolymer composition is accessible. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.