A simple procedure for the correction of the decreasing detection response in a Matrix-assisted laser desorption/Ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrum with increasing ion mass is reported. On the basis of the experimental MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of a mixture of four polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) standards (molecular masses in the range 4-100 kDa), present in equal molar abundance, an equation describing the MALDI-TOF response has been derived. This equation has been used to correct any subsequently recorded MALDI spectrum. As an example, the procedure has been applied here to normalize the MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of a 1,20-di(bisphenoxy-A)eicosane based copolyformal (I) containing porphyrin units in the main chain. #
Direct pyrolysis in the mass spectrometer (MS) yielded unequivocal evidence regarding the mechanism of thermal decomposition of N‐monosubstituted and N‐disubstituted polyurethanes. It was ascertained that direct pyrolysis in the MS detects the primary thermal fragments that originate from polyurethane pyrolysis. This is particularly useful when, as in the thermal decomposition illustrated in eq. (1), it is necessary to distinguish between primary and secondary thermal fragments in order to assess the thermal degradation mechanism. Our results indicate that N‐monosubstituted polyurethane V undergoes a quantitative depolycondensation process. Instead, the thermal decomposition of the N‐disubstituted polyurethane VI which occurs selectively in eq. (1) is demonstrated by the detection of thermal fragments that contain secondary amine and olefinic end groups. Finally, polyurethane VI shows a higher thermal stability with respect to polymer V because of the absence of the depolycondensation process, which accounts for the thermal degradation of the N‐monosubstituted polyurethane V.
The primary fragmentation mechanisms in the thermal decomposition of several polycarbonates were studied by direct pyrolysis into the mass spectrometer. Our results indicate that ester exchange reactions predominate in the primary thermal fragmentation process of polycarbonates, causing the formation of cyclic oligomers.
The thermal decomposition of two series of isomeric aromatic–aliphatic polyesters was studied by direct pyrolysis‐mass spectrometry. The results indicate that intramolecular exchange reactions predominate in the primary thermal fragmentation processes to cause the formation of cyclic oligomers. Several secondary thermal processes may occur after the primary step: hydrolytic cleavage of the ester bond, decarboxylation, and β‐hydrogen transfer.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.