This tutorial is designed to introduce polymer scientist to some practical applications of mass spectrometry (MS) to polymer analysis.  Due to the ability to resolve each discrete n-mer within a polymer distribution, techniques such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF MS) provide unparalleled signal intensity for end group analysis.  Perhaps most importantly, MS measurements coupled with secondary experiments can provide firm evidence for determining polymer architecture, including the presence of branching, as well as cyclic, concatenated, and more complex architectures.  Furthermore, emerging techniques, such as ion mobility spectrometry- mass spectrometry (IMS-MS),  offer promise to provide a unique and complimentary tool for elucidating polymer architecture.

Using mass spectrometry to elucidate polymer functionality and architecture

245th National Meeting (2013)

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