Synthesis and characterization of castor oil/trimethylol propane polyol as raw materials for polyurethanes, using time-of-flight mass spectroscopy

Recognizing the worldwide tendency towards biodegradable products, trimethylol propane (TMP) esters based on castor oil (CO) were synthesized, composition and properties were evaluated, and their potential as raw material for polyurethane preparation was assessed. The method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI TOF MS) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) under positive ion mode by the method of direct injection were used to determine the components of castor oil trimethylol alcoholysis product. Both the methods allowed unambiguous molecular mass determination of the intact ester molecules without any thermal degradation. The product was found to contain in the greatest amount monoricinoleate of TMP, diricinoleate of TMP, and triricinoleate of TMP and some quantity of triricinoleate of glycerol and unreacted trimethylol propane. APCI of the polyol was compared to that of castor oil. The MALDI TOF MS method described in this work is relatively simple, less time-consuming than the commonly used gas chromatographic method, and can be used to quantify various components of the polyol.