Transition-metal cationization of laser-desorbed perfluorinated polyethers with FTICR mass spectrometry

Abstract

Mass spectra of perfluorinated polyether (PFPE) films on metal substrates have been measured using a novel transition-metal cationization technique combined with FTMS. Full parent mass distributions were obtained with this technique. Two pulsed lasers were employed: a low fluence laser for PFPE desorption and a high fluence laser for metal ion formation. Cationization was observed to occur in the gas phase above the sample surface. The dynamics of the process are discussed. Applications to measure average molecular weights and study photochemistry of PFPE samples are presented. Electron attachment to PFPEs was also studied. Only negative ion fragments were observed from this process. © 1993 American Chemical Society.