2.02 Molecular Weight Determination
2.02 Molecular Weight Determination
2.02 Molecular Weight Determination
Figure 2.2.3 Beckmann differential thermometer and freezing point depression apparatus
The historical significance of Raoult and Beckmann’s research, among many other investigators, has revolutionized a physical
chemistry technique that is currently applied to a vast range of disciplines from food science to petroleum fluids. For example,
measured cryoscopic molecular weights of crude oil are used to predict the viscosity and surface tension for necessary fluid
flow calculations in pipeline.
Freezing Point Depression
Freezing point depression is a colligative property in which the freezing temperature of a pure solvent decreases in proportion
to the number of solute molecules dissolved in the solvent. The known mass of the added solute and the freezing point of the
pure solvent information permit an accurate calculation of the molecular weight of the solute.
In Equation 2.2.1 the freezing point depression of a non-ionic solution is described. Where ∆Tf is the change in the initial and
final temperature of the pure solvent, Kf is the freezing point depression constant for the pure solvent, and m (moles solute/kg
solvent) is the molality of the solution.
ΔTf = Kf m (2.2.1)
For an ionic solution shown in Figure 2.2.2, the dissociation particles must be accounted for with the number of solute
particles per formula unit, i (the van’t Hoff factor).
Cryoscopic Apparatus
For cryoscopy, the apparatus to measure freezing point depression of a pure solvent may be representative of the Beckmann
apparatus previously shown in Figure 2.2.3. The apparatus consists of a test tube containing the solute dissolved in a pure
solvent, stir bar or magnetic wire and closed with a rubber stopper encasing a mercury thermometer. The test tube component
is immersed in an ice-water bath in a beaker. An example of the apparatus is shown in Figure 2.2.4. The rubber stopper and
stir bar/wire stirrer are not shown in the figure.
Benzene 5.12
Camphor 39.7
Carbon disulfide 3.8
Carbon tetrachloride 30
Chloroform 4.68
Cyclohexane 20.2
Ethanol 1.99
Naphthalene 6.8
Phenol 7.27
Water 1.86
Cryoscopic Method
The detailed information about the procedure used for cryoscopy is shown below:
Allow the solution to stir continuously to avoid supercooling
1. Weigh (15 to 20 grams) of the pure solvent in a test tube and record the measured weight value of the pure solvent.
2. Place a stir bar or wire stirrer in the test tube and close with a rubber stopper that has a hole to encase a mercury
thermometer.
3. Place a mercury thermometer in the rubber stopper hole.
4. Immerse the test tube apparatus in an ice-water bath.
5. Allow the solvent to stir continuously and equilibrate to a few degrees below the freezing point of the solvent.
6. Record the temperature at which the solvent reaches the freezing point, which remains at a constant temperature reading.
7. Repeat the freezing point data collection for at least two more measurements without a difference less than 0.5 °C between
the measurements.
8. Weigh a quantity of the solute for investigation and record the measured value.
9. Add the weighed solute to the test tube containing the pure solvent.
10. Re - close the test tube with a rubber stopper encasing a mercury thermometer.
11. Re-immerse the test tube in an ice water bath and allow the mixture to stir to fully dissolve the solute in the pure solvent.
12. Measure the freezing point and record the temperature value.
The observed freezing point of the solution is when the temperature reading remains constant.
∘ ∘
T Δf = 6.5 C − 4.2 C (2.2.4)
∘
T Δf = 2.3 (2.2.5)
Calculate the molal concentration, m, of the solution using the freezing point depression and Kf (see \label{4})
T Δf = Kf m (2.2.6)
∘ ∘
m = (2.3 C )/(20.2 C /molal) (2.2.7)
m = g(solute)/kg(solvent) (2.2.9)
∘
20.2 C ∗ kg/moles × 0.405 g
MW = (2.2.11)
∘
2.3 C × 0.00903 kg
MW = 393 g/mol (2.2.12)
Problems
1. Nicotine (Figure 2.2.5 is an extracted pale yellow oil from tobacco leaves that dissolves in water at temperatures less than
60°C. What is the molality of nicotine in an aqueous solution that begins to freeze at -0.445°C? See Table 2.2.1 for Kf values.
2.
3.
4.
Figure 2.2.6 A diagram of the typical curve associating mechanical strength and molecular weight
The melting point of polymers are also slightly depend on their molecular weight. Figure 2.2.7 shows relationship between
molecular weight and melting temperatures of polyethylene (Figure 2.2.8 ) Most linear polyethylenes have melting
temperatures near 140 °C. The approach to the theoretical asymptote, that is a line whose distance to a given curve tends to
zero, indicative that a theoretical polyethylene of infinite molecular weight (i.e., M = ∞) would have a melting point of 145 °C.
The molecular weight-melting temperature relationship for the alkane series. Adapted from L. H. Sperling, Introduction to
physical polymer science, 4th edition, Wiley-Interscience, New York (2005).
Figure 2.2.7 A diagram of the asymptotic approach of the melting point of a polymer to a specific value.
∞
T otal number = Σ Ni (2.2.14)
i=1
∞
Σ Mi Ni
i=1
Mn = (2.2.15)
∞
Σ Ni
i=1
Example 2.2.8
Consider a polymer sample comprising of 5 moles of polymer molecules having molecular weight of 40.000 g/mol and 15
moles of polymer molecules having molecular weight of 30.000 g/mol.
Example:
Consider the polymer described in the previous problem.
Calculate the MW for a polymer sample comprising of 9 moles of polymer molecules having molecular weight of 30.000
g/mol and 5 moles of polymer molecules having molecular weight of 50.000 g/mol.
Answer:
Molecular weight distribution is one of the important characteristic of polymer because it affects polymer properties. A typical
molecular distribution of polymers show in 2.2.6. There are various molecular weights in the range of curve. The distribution
Figure 2.2.6 A schematic plot of a distribution of molecular weights along with the rankings of the various average molecular
weights. Adapted from J. A. Nairn, Oregon State University (2003).
Molecular weight analysis of polymers
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
Gel permeation chromatography is also called size exclusion chromatography. It is widely used method to determine high
molecular weight distribution. In this technique, substances separate according to their molecule size. Firstly, large molecules
begin to elute then smaller molecules are eluted Figure 2.2.7. The sample is injected into the mobile phase then the mobile
phase enters into the columns. Retention time is the length of time that a particular fraction remains in the column. As shown
in Figure 2.2.7, while the mobile phase passes through the porous particles, the area between large molecules and small
molecules is getting increase. GPC gives a full molecular distribution, but its cost is high.
Figure 2.2.7 Solvent flow through column. Adapted from A. M. Striegel, W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland, and D. D. Bly. Modern Size-
Exclusion Liquid Chromatography- Practice of Gel Permeation and Gel Filtration Chromatography, 2nd Edition. Hoboken.
N.J. (2009).
According to basic theory of GPC, the basic quantity measured in chromatography is the retention volume, 2.2.20, where V0 is
mobile phase volume and Vp is the volume of a stationary phase. K is a distribution coefficient related to the size and types of
the molecules.
Ve = V0 + Vp K (2.2.20)
The essential features of gel permeation chromatography are shown in Figure 2.2.8. Solvent leaves the solvent supply, then
solvent is pumped through a filter. The desired amount of flow through the sample column is adjusted by sample control
Figure 2.2.12 Gel permeation chromatogram of (a) PEG (MW = 5,700 g/mol) and (b) PEG-PLA block copolymer (MW =
11,000 g/mol). Adapted from K. Yasugi, Y. Nagasaki, M. Kato, K. Kataoka, J. Control. Release, 1999, 62, 89.
Table 2.2.3 Characteristics of PEG-PLA block copolymer with varying composition. Adapted from K. Yasugi, Y. Nagasaki, M. Kato, and K.
Kataoka, J. Control Release , 1999, 62, 89
Mw/Mn of block Weight ratio of PLA
Polymer Mn of PEG Mw/Mn of PEG Mn of PLA
copolymer to PEG
Light-scattering
One of the most used methods to characterize the molecular weight is light scattering method. When polarizable particles are
placed in the oscillating electric field of a beam of light, the light scattering occurs. Light scattering method depends on the
light, when the light is passing through polymer solution, it is measure by loses energy because of absorption, conversion to
heat and scattering. The intensity of scattered light relies on the concentration, size and polarizability that is proportionality
constant which depends on the molecular weight. Figure 2.2.13 shows light scattering off a particle in solution.
Figure 2.2.14 Schematic representation of light scattering. Adapted from J. A. Nairn, polymer characterization, Material
science and engineering 5473, spring 2003.
The weight average molecular weight value of scattering polymers in solution related to their light scattering properties that
define by 2.2.21 , where K is the wave vector, that defined by 2.2.22 . C is solution concentration, R(θ) is the reduced
Rayleigh ratio, P(θ) the particle scattering function, θ is the scattering angle, A is the osmotic virial coefficients, where n0
solvent refractive index, λ the light wavelength and Na Avagadro’s number. The particle scattering function is given by 2.2.23
, where Rz is the radius of gyration.
2 2 2 2 2
1/(P (θ)) = 1 + 16 π n (Rz )si n (θ/2)3 λ (2.2.23)
0
Weight average molecular weight of a polymer is found from extrapolation of data in the form of a Zimm plot ( Figure 2.2.15
). Experiments are performed at several angles and at least at 4 different concentrations. The straight line extrapolations
provides Mw.
Figure 2.2.15 A typical Zimm plot of light scattering data. Adapted from M. P. Stevens, Polymer Chemistry an Introduction,
3rd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford (1999).
X-ray Scattering
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic wave with wavelengths between 0.001 nm and 0.2 nm. X-ray scattering is particularly
used for semicrystalline polymers which includes thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and liquid crystalline polymers.
Two types of X-ray scattering are used for polymer studies:
1. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) which is used to study orientation of the crystals and the packing of the chains.
2. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) which is used to study the electron density fluctuations that occur over larger
distances as a result of structural inhomogeneities.
Schematic representation of X-ray scattering shows in Figure 2.2.16.
Figure 2.2.16 Schematic diagram of X-ray scattering. Adapted from B. Chu, and B. S. Hsiao, Chem. Rev. 2001,101, 1727.
At least two SAXS curves are required to determine the molecular weight of a polymer. The SAXS procedure to determine the
molecular weight of polymer sample in monomeric or multimeric state solution requires the following conditions.
a. The system should be monodispersed.
b. The solution should be dilute enough to avoid spatial correlation effects.
c. The solution should be isotropic.
d. The polymer should be homogenous.
Osometer
Osmometry is applied to determine number average of molecular weight (Mn). There are two types of osmometer:
1. Vapor pressure osmometry (VPO).
2. Membrane osmometry.
Vapor pressure osmometry measures vapor pressure indirectly by measuring the change in temperature of a polymer solution
on dilution by solvent vapor and is generally useful for polymers with Mn below 10,000–40,000 g/mol. When molecular
weight is more than that limit, the quantity being measured becomes very small to detect. A typical vapor osmometry shows in
Light Scattering MW ∞
There are several possible ways of reporting polymer molecular weight. Three commonly used molecular weight descriptions
are: the number average (Mn), weight average (Mw), and z-average molecular weight (Mz). All of three are applicable to
different constant a in 2.2.25 and are shown in Figure 2.2.19.
Bulk properties weight average molecular weight, Mw is the most useful one, because it fairly accounts for the contributions of
different sized chains to the overall behavior of the polymer, and correlates best with most of the physical properties of
interest.
There are various methods published to detect these three different primary average molecular weights respectively. For
instance, a colligative method, such as osmotic pressure, effectively calculates the number of molecules present and provides a
number average molecular weight regardless of their shape or size of polymers. The classical van’t Hoff equation for the
osmotic pressure of an ideal, dilute solution is shown in 2.2.28 .
The weight average molecular weight of a polymer in solution can be determined by either measuring the intensity of light
scattered by the solution or studying the sedimentation of the solute in an ultracentrifuge. From light scattering method which
is depending on the size rather than the number of molecules, weight average molecular weight is obtained. This work requires
concentration fluctuations which are the main source of the light scattered by a polymer solution. The intensity of the light
scattering of polymer solution is often expressed by its turbidity τ which is given in Rayleigh’s law in 2.2.29 . Where iθ is
scattered intensity at only one angle θ, r is the distance from the scattering particle to the detection point, and I0 is the incident
intensity.
2
16πiΘ r
τ = (2.2.29)
2
3 I0 (1 + cos Θ)
The intensity scattered by molecules (Ni) of molecular weight (Mi) is proportional to NiMi2. Thus, the total light scattered by
all molecules is described in 2.2.30 , where c is the total weight of the sample ∑NiMi.
2
π ΣNi M
i
= MW , avg (2.2.30)
c ΣNi Mi
Figure 2.2.21 Development and detection of size separation by SEC. Adapted from A. M. Striegel, W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland,
and D. D. Bly. Modern Size-Exclusion Liquid Chromatography- Practice of Gel Permeation and Gel Filtration
Chromatography, 2nd Edition. Hoboken. N.J. (2009).
Solvent Selection
Solvent selection for SEC involves a number if considerations, such as convenience, sample type, column packing, operating
variables, safety, and purity.
For samples concern, the solvents used for mobile phase of SEC are limited to those follows following criteria:
The solvent must dissolve the sample completely.
The solvent has different properties with solute in the eluent: typically with solvent refractive index (RI) different from the
sample RI by ± 0.05 unit of more, or more than 10% of incident energy for UV detector.
The solvent must not degrade the sample during use. Otherwise, the viscosity of eluent will gradually increase over times.
The solvent is not corrosive to any components of the equipment.
Therefore, several solvents are qualified to be solvents such as THF, chlorinated hydrocarbons (chloroform, methylene
chloride, dichloroethane, etc), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene , trichlorobenzene, etc).
Normally, high purity of solvent (HPLC-grade) is recommended. The reasons are to avoid suspended particulates that may
abrade the solvent pumping system or cause plugging of small-particle columns, to avoid impurities that may generate baseline
noise, and to avoid impurities that are concentrated due to evaporation of solvent.
Column Selection
Column selection of SEC depends mainly on the desired molecular weight range of separation and the nature of the solvents
and samples. Solute molecules should be separated solely by the size of gels without interaction of packing materials. Better
column efficiencies and separations can be obtained with small particle packing in columns and high diffusion rates for sample
solutes. Furthermore, optimal performance of an SEC packing materials involves high resolution and low column
backpressure. Compatible solvent and column must be chosen because, for example, organic solvent is used to swell the
organic column packing and used to dissolve and separate the samples.
It is convenient that columns are now usually available from manufacturers regarding the various types of samples. They
provide the information such as maximum tolerant flow rates, backpressure tolerances, recommended sample concentration,
and injection volumes, etc. Nonetheless, users have to notice a few things upon using columns:
Figure 2.2.23 SEC elution of linear and branched samples of similar hydrodynamic volumes, but different molecular weights.
S. Mori, and H. G. Barth. Size Exclusion Chromatography, Springer, New York. (1999).
Light-scattering detector is now often used to overcome the limitations of conventional SEC. These signals depend only on
concentration, not on molecular weight or polymer size. For instance, for LS detector, 2.2.31 applies:
2
LS Signal = KLS ⋅ (dn/dc ) ⋅ MW ⋅ c (2.2.31)
Where KLS is an apparatus-specific sensitivity constant, dn/dc is the refractive index increment and c is concentration.
Therefore, accurate molecular weight can be determined while the concentration of the sample is known without calibration
curve.
A Practical Example
The syntheses of poly(3-hexylthiophene) are well developed during last decade. It is an attractive polymer due to its potential
as electronic materials. Due to its excellent charge transport performances and high solubility, several studies discuss its
further improvement such as making block copolymer even triblock copolymer. The details are not discussed here. However,
the importance of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution is still critical.
As shown in Figure 2.2.24, they studied the mechanism of chain-growth polymerization and successfully produced low
polydispersity P3HT. The figure also demonstrates that the molecule with larger molecular size/ or weight elutes out of the
column earlier than those which has smaller molecular weight.
The real molecular weight of P3HT is smaller than the molecular weight relative to polystyrene. In this case, the backbone of
P3HT is harder compared with polystyrenes’ backbone because of the position of aromatic groups. It results in less flexibility.
We can briefly judge the authentic molecular weight of the synthetic polymer according to its molecular structure.