Application of nonpolar matrices for the analysis of low molecular weight nonpolar synthetic polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Sf. Macha et al., Application of nonpolar matrices for the analysis of low molecular weight nonpolar synthetic polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, J AM SOC M, 11(8), 2000, pp. 731-737
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Spectroscopy /Instrumentation/Analytical Sciences
Journal title
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
The application of nonpolar matrices for the analysis of low molecular weig
ht nonpolar synthetic polymers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ioniz
ation mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is demonstrated. Anthracene, pyrene, and
acenaphthene were utilized as nonpolar matrices for the analysis of polybu
tadiene, polyisoprene, and polystyrene samples of various average molecular
weights ranging from about 700 to 5000. The standard MALDI-MS approach for
the analysis of these types of polymers involves the use of conventional a
cidic matrices, such as all-trans-retinoic acid, with an additional cationi
zation reagent. The nonpolar matrices used in this study are shown to be as
equally effective as the conventional matrices. The uniform mixing of the
nonpolar matrices and the nonpolar analytes enhances the MALDI-MS spectral
reproducibility. Silver salts were found to be the best cationization reage
nts for all of the cases studied. Copper salts worked well for polystyrene,
poorly for polyisoprene, and not at all for polybutadiene samples. These m
atrices should be useful for the characterization of hydrocarbon polymers a
nd other analytes, such as modified polymers, which may potentially be sens
itive to acidic matrices. (J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2000, 11, 731-737) (C) 20
00 American Society for Mass Spectrometry.