Pushing the limits of single chain compaction analysis by observing specific size reductions via high resolution mass spectrometry

Herein, we push the limits of single chain nanoparticle (SCNP) analysis to directly observe the specific compaction of defined single chains dependent on the number of compaction steps utilizing a copolymer consisting of styrene and chloromethylstyrene, compacted via Friedel–Crafts alkylation. Our study critically expands the boundaries of SCNP characterization via size exclusion chromatography coupled with high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SEC-ESI-MS), highlighting the unique compositional and structural information that can be derived via this technique.