The generation of end group information from poly(styrene)s by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-collision induced dissociation

Information on the masses of the end groups of four poly(styrene) polymers, with relatively low average molecular weights and polydispersities, has be en obtained from matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-collision indu ced dissociation (MALDI-CID) data. The masses of the end groups were calcul ated, using the equations shown, from the mass-to-charge ratios of two seri es of intense ion peaks that were observed at low mass-to-charge ratios in the MALDI-CID spectra. Certain mechanisms are proposed here to account for the formation of these ions and others that: are observed in the spectra. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.