Structure and end-group analysis of complex hexanediol-neopentylglycol-adipic acid copolyesters by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry.

Sequences and end groups of complex copolyesters were determined by fragmentation analysis by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI CID MS/MS). The complexity of the crude copolyester mixture was reduced by a chromatographic separation followed by a MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) investigation of fractions. Due to overlapping compositional and end-group information a clear assignment of end groups was very difficult. However, the fragmentation of suitable precursor ions resulted in typical fragment ion patterns and, therefore, enabled a fast and unambiguous determination of the end groups and composition of this important class of polymers.