ANALYSIS OF POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) IN VARIOUS MATRICES USING LIQUID
CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY WITH ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION
2005 Pittsburgh Conference
Orlando, FL, February 27th – March 4th, 2005
J.T. Roy
John T. Roy, Impact Analytical, 1910 W. St. Andrews Rd., Midland, MI 48640
A new approach for the analysis of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been developed that utilizes
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with electrospray ionization and an ion trap
mass spectrometer. The approach has been used to detect this compound in several different
matrices. This technique can be used for the direct analysis of PEG with different molecular
weights that otherwise may be difficult to characterize by other procedures. Analysis of PEG by
LC-MS has been used to support good laboratory studies that have required characterization. The
LC-MS technique has also be used to monitor PEG in other matrices, such as ethoxylated
alcohols and in sodium bicarbonate buffering media that is used for the culture of human normal
and neoplastic leukocytes. Analyses of ethoxylated alcohols by LC-MS have led to better
understanding performance issues that are related to the product.
This LC-MS procedure provides spectral identification and molecular weight information that
were previously difficult to obtain for PEG in various matrices. Additionally, the LC-MS
procedure affords greater specificity for PEG than was previously obtained by gravimetric
methods and by high performance liquid chromatographic methods with refractive index
detection. The LC-MS analysis for PEG requires less sample preparation in comparison to
previously used gas chromatography methods that require derivatization. The LC-MS procedure
has proven to be an excellent qualitative tool for the analysis of PEG. The utility of the procedure
for more detailed quantitation has also been investigated, and data that were obtained from these
studies will be presented.
Keywords:
Application Code:
Methodology:
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, Ion Trap, Polymers and
Plastics, Materials Characterization
Polymers and Plastics
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry