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  • Sequencing of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Copolymers by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Title: Sequencing of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Copolymers by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Polyether based side-chain liquid crystalline (SCLC) copolymers with distinct microstructures were prepared using living anionic polymerization techniques. The composition, end groups, purity, and sequence of the resulting copolymers were elucidated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). MALDI-MS analysis confirmed the presence of (CH3)3CO– and –H end groups at the initiating (α) and terminating (ω) chain end, respectively, and allowed determination of the molecular weight distribution and comonomer content of the copolymers. The comonomer positions along the polymer chain were identified by MS/MS, from the fragments formed via C–O and C–C bond cleavages in the polyether backbone. Random and block architectures could readily be distinguished by the contiguous fragment series formed in these reactions. Notably, backbone C–C bond scission was promoted by a radical formed via initial C–O bond cleavage in the mesogenic side chain. This result documents the ability of a properly substituted side chain to induce sequence indicative bond cleavages in the polyether backbone.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1808115
PAR ID:
10112244
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Polymers
Volume:
11
Issue:
7
ISSN:
2073-4360
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1118
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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