Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization of synthetic polymers with azo compound matrices

Azo-compounds have been found to be very good cationization matrix materials for synthetic polymers in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization at 337 nm laser irradiance. These azo-compounds have been successfully used for the desorption of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol, polystyrene and polybutadiene (phenyl terminated). Cationization of the synthetic polymers is more efficient with these matrices than with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid. Both the sensitivity and the resolution are improved. The properties and efficiency of these azo compounds were studied with a series of polyethylene glycol samples. The use of these matrices for analysis of non-polar polymers such as polystyrene and polybutadiene Is also demonstrated.