Various applications of functional group analysis

Abstract

The importance of functional group analysis is demonstrated with a number of examples in various fields. Special attention is given to the determination of end groups in several kinds of high and low relative molecular mass materials.

Methods for the determination of the following groups are described: hydroxyl groups (polymers, esters), carboxyl groups (polymers, ester-interchange products), unsaturated groups (vinyl ester end groups in polymers), anhydride groups (polymers), amino groups (polymers, derivatised silica materials), epoxide groups (resins, derivatised silica materials) and quaternary ammonium compounds (surfactants).

The methods include derivatisation procedures and several techniques for quantitative determination (spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence, coulometry and potentiometric and photometric titration).