The end groups of linear macromolecules play a critical role in the resulting physical properties of the polymer and can enable the construction of more complex polymer architectures, yet their identity and purity can be difficult to ascertain using traditional analytical technique because any signal that results from the end groups tends to be overwhelmed by the larger signal from the backbone.. Recent advances in mass spectrometry techniques have made matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-fight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry a rapid and powerful tool for providing detailed information about the identity and purity of homopolymer end groups. In this work, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to study end groups of linear polyethylene glycols. In particular, amine, hydroxyl and thiol end groups are investigated because these nucleophilic moieties are among the most common within biological and synthetic macromolecules. Through selective reaction with alcohol, amine, and thiol end groups, the presence of these end groups could be confirmed.

Characterization of polyethylene glycol end group functionalities and confirmation of their modifications using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

247th National Meeting (2014)

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