Identification of polyethanolamines by chromatography–mass spectrometry

Presumable structures of polyethanolamines, synthesized by the catalytic β-hydroxyethylation of ammonia with an excess of ethylene oxide are determined by gas chromatography–electron ionization mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry qualitatively, following fragmentation ways and also taking into account retention data. The preferable paths of consecutive reactions of the synthesis of polyethanolamines in a homologous series of isomers are found.