scope:

This document specifies a general method for determining the average molecular mass and mixture ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its derivatives with different end groups by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). It is applicable to PEG and its derivatives with molecular masses from 500 g mol⁻¹ to 20 000 g mol⁻¹. The composition is calculated by means of a calibration curve constructed using standard polymer mixtures, where the peak area ratio is plotted versus the mass ratio. This document can be applied to other polymers with monomeric unit similar to PEG.