Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as an analytical tool for non‐biological monomers, oligomers and polymers

This paper reviews electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) as an analytical tool for the investigation of non‐biological materials. The fundamentals of the method are briefly described and principles of the interpretation of ESI mass spectra are explained. Differences in comparison to biochemical applications of ESI‐MS are discussed. Selected examples show how ESI‐MS can be used for the investigation of synthetic monomers, oligomers, and polymers, especially in cases where other analytical methods fail.