Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers: 2. Analysis of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (m.a.l.d.i.-m.s.) is shown to be a unique method for the determination of the functional heterogeneity of poly(methyl methacrylate)s. In group-transfer polymerization of methyl methacrylate, oligomers with cyclic end-groups are formed in addition to the expected linear oligomers. The cyclics are identified via preparative separation of the cyclic trimer by high-performance size...