Use of GPC-UV to determine the location of functional groups in styrenic polymers

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is one of the most important characterization tools of the polymer chemist. The coupling of GPC with ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy (GPC–UV) increases the power of the tool even further. This article describes the use of GPC–UV to determine the location of functional groups in polymers. This information is important for characterization of functionalized polymers being used as building blocks for making block and graft copolymers, and for the elucidation of polymer degradation mechanisms. The use of GPC–UV for quantitation of the level of functional groups is hampered by the inability to achieve complete conversion of some UV transparent functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl and carbonyl) to the uniquely absorbing derivative needed for the analysis. Attempts to quantitatively derivatize polymer‐bound functional groups using conditions developed for model compounds failed. However, the use of GPC–UV to locate functional groups in polymers (pendant vs. chain‐end) is clearly demonstrated.