Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of some conducting polymers

The application of laser desorption/ionization and matrix-assisted laser de sorption/ionization mass spectrometry to the study of the structure of some conducting polymers was investigated. A methodology was developed and the experimental conditions for the characterization of these polymers were est ablished. The parameters chosen to be changed for the method optimization a re the matrix material (seven different matrices were tested depending on t he polymer studied) and the solvent used in the preparation of the samples. The method seems to be suitable for the study of the structure of two oxid ation states of polyaniline: emeraldine and pernigraniline. The analysis of the polymers derived from m-aminophenylbenzothiazole, benzothiazole and te trathiopentalenes was also performed. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.