Wallace, W.
and Guttman, C.
(2010),
Molecular Mass Distribution Measurement by Mass Spectrometry, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=905144
(Accessed October 9, 2025)
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Molecular Mass Distribution Measurement by Mass Spectrometry
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Abstract
This NIST Recommended Practice Guide presents a method using mass spectrometry to make a quantitative determination of the molecular mass distribution of narrow polydispersity synthetic molecular materials. The main obstacle for converting an oligomer-resolved mass spectrum (MS) into a valid molecular mass distribution (MMD) is the systematic uncertainty in the ion intensity axis of the mass spectrum. This guide demonstrates how to make gravimetric mixtures of analytes having the same general chemistry but differing in molecular mass distribution to 1) ascertain if mass bias is present for a given set of measurement conditions, 2) create a calibration curve to properly convert the MS to a valid MMD, and 3) determine systematic uncertainties for the calibration curve when certain specific conditions are met.Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 960-21
Report Number
960-21
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
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Keywords
distribution, mass spectrometry, molecular solids, polymers, quantitation, standards
Citation
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Created May 19, 2010, Updated February 19, 2017