SFC/FTIR, SFC/APCI–MS and MALDI–TOF-MS for the analysis of siloxane–ethylene oxide copolymers

Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs) modified by introducing ethylene oxide units with the aim of forming sufficiently water-soluble siloxane compounds were characterized using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI–MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF-MS). SFC has a domain in analyzing oligomers. Hyphenated techniques enable elucidation of the components. Remarkable is the resolution and short analysis time of MALDI–TOF-MS. SFC also allows quantification of the basic and reaction products.