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Copolymer structure elucidation by multidimensional techniques with focus on UPLC x ESI-TOF-MS
(2017)
Structure elucidation of complex synthetic copolymers still represents a challenge. An one-dimensional separation technique cannot give the answer to the question: What are the molar mass distribution (MMD), the functionality distribution (FTD), the chemical composition distribution (CCD), the monomer sequence distribution (MSD), the topology differences within a single broad distributed polymer sample?
Since the first LC/ ESI-MS experiment of the Nobel prize winner John B. Fenn in 1984, the coupling of liquid chromatographic to mass spectrometric techniques gained a continuous rapid development.
Often the deficiencies of stand-alone methods can be bridged. LC, blind to structural information needs mass spectrometry as one of the most powerful detectors able to give detailed information on e.g. the repeat units, functionalization or copolymer composition of the chromatographic separated constituents. A separation prior to MS reduces radical the dispersity which is one of the reasons for failing of MS. Also problems with different ionization probabilities in complex mixtures can partly be overcame.
Different LC separation techniques as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), liquid adsorption chromatography (LAC), liquid chromatography at critical conditions (LCCC) and gradient elution liquid chromatography (GELC) combined with Matrix assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) respectively Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry are able to give information which otherwise are completely inaccessible. In some cases CID tandem mass spectrometry is applied. Fragmentation of suitable precursor ions resulted in typical fragment ion patterns. This technique enables an additional information on e.g. sequences, structural defects and topology of complex polymer mixtures.
Herein a new approach is demonstrated to provide evidence of different functionalities and short block sequences in statistical EO-PO copolymers. Furthermore silsesquioxane mixtures and Polyglycerols are investigated concerning occurring topology effects.
Poly(l-lactide)s are synthesized and annealed at 120 °C and changes of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) are monitored by matrix-assited laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. For example, benzyl alcohol+SnOct2 causes equilibration of odd- and even-numbered chains and the final goal of the transesterification is the most probable distribution. The underlying intermolecular transesterification is even observed at 100 and 80 °C in the solid state. However, cyclic tin mercaptide catalysts transform the initial most probable distribution into a MWD with maxima, which display a conspicuous fine structure due to a preferential crystallization of certain ring sizes. The optimum ring sizes for the crystallization are provided by ring-ring equilibration. The gradual formation of a special morphology shifts the melting temperature to values up to 187 °C. Annealing of commercial poly(l-lactide) with a cyclic tin catalyst also yields a distribution of mass peaks with a maximum showing the characteristic fine structure.