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Use of a liquid chromatograph-ion trap mass spectrometer for end-group characterization of various polyethoxylate materials

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Journal of Surfactants and Detergents

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Abstract

The separation and detection properties of various ethoxylated polymers were investigated with atmospheric pressure ionization liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Interesting chromatographic elution behavior based on functionality was noted. LC/MS using in-source CID (collision-induced dissociation) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection was compared for end-group identification. Excellent end-group identification was achieved when the end-group molecular weight (MW) was greater than 100 Da and the average MW of the polymer was less than 400 Da by both MS/MS and in-source CID. In cases where the end-group MW was less than 100 Da, because of the low mass cut-off in a quadrapole ion trap analyzer, in-source CID produced the only characteristic end-group ions. The use of a dual scan function allowed investigation of the oligomeric distribution followed by a narrow low-mass scan using in-source CID to generate end-group information. This approach is applicable on instruments without MS/MS capability.

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Abbreviations

APCI:

atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

API:

atmospheric pressure ionization

CID:

collision-induced dissociation

ELSD:

evaporative light-scattering detection

EO:

ethoxylate/ethylene oxide

ESI:

electrospray ionization

HPLC:

high-performance liquid chromatography

LC:

liquid chromatography

MS:

mass spectrometry

MS/MS:

tandem mass spectrometry

MW:

molecular weight

PEG:

polyethylene glycol

UV:

ultraviolet.

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Author notes

  1. Gabriella Szekely-Klepser

    Present address: Pfizer Global Research and Development, 48105, Ann Arbor, MI

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 3M Corporate Analytical Technology Center, 55144, St. Paul, Minnesota

    Michael T. Combs, David D. Johnson & Gabriella Szekely-Klepser

Authors
  1. Michael T. Combs
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  2. David D. Johnson
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  3. Gabriella Szekely-Klepser
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael T. Combs.

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Combs, M.T., Johnson, D.D. & Szekely-Klepser, G. Use of a liquid chromatograph-ion trap mass spectrometer for end-group characterization of various polyethoxylate materials. J Surfact Deterg 8, 263–269 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11743-005-0356-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11743-005-0356-0

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