Characterization of technical waxes - Comparison of chromatographic techniques and matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Technical waxes and paraffins were investigated using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). SEC enables the simultaneous determination of molecular masses up to high values and molecular mass distributions. The resolution of homologous species, however, is poor. In this respect the use of SFC is advantageous. Proper resolution of homologues may be provided up to M(r) approximate to 1200 without great difficulty. To compare these chromatographic results MALDI-MS was applied for the determination of molecular masses and mass distributions in technical waxes for the first time. Using reflectron mode excellent MALDI mass spectra could be achieved in the molecular mass range up to 1000 Da. The mean values of the molecular masses calculated by MALDI-MS were in sufficient agreement with those of SFC. In the linear mode of MALDI-MS molecular masses could be determined to nearly 3000 Da. Beyond this mass range SEC still remains the method of choice. Advantages and difficulties of the used methods are discussed in this paper.