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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

MALDI-ToF MS Method for the Characterization of Synthetic Polymers with Varying Dispersity and End Groups
Published on: October 3, 2025
LC-multistage mass spectrometry for the characterization of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate)
Junkan Song1, Alena Šišková, Marcel G Simons
1AkzoNobel, Research Development and Innovation, P.O. Box 10, Deventer, 7400AA, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A comprehensive study using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI MS(n)) was performed to get detailed structural information on poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) co-polyester and its product of partial degradation. LC-MS and LC-MS(n) identified the existence of cyclic structures in the original samples that disappear completely during the degradation. The occurrence of methanol transesterification in the degradation process was confirmed. MS(2) on the first (13)C isotope peak helped to determine the elemental composition of the fragments and facilitated end group determination. The method can be used to provide an alternative for high mass accuracy MS(2) experiments. Sequence information was also revealed for certain copolymeric structures.
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