Compositional analysis of nitrile terminated poly(propylene imine) dendrimers by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray mass spectrometry

Abstract Separation methods for nitrile terminated poly(propylene imine) dendrimers were developed to monitor and optimize their large scale production. Detailed analyses of defects within a dendrimer generation were performed by HPLC at alkaline pH (sodium hydroxide) on a polymer-based column or at neutral pH (ammonium acetate) on a silica-based column combined with electrospray mass spectrometry. Feasibility of operation of HPLC–electrospray MS with a mobile phase containing non-volatile components is demonstrated.