Polystyrene (PS), nominal MW ~600, is a low-molar-mass analytical standard used in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) workflows for polymer molar-mass characterization and calibration.
Synonym: PS. CAS: 9003-53-6.
The weight-average molar mass (Mw), determined by GPC, is specified at 550–700 g/mol. The molar-mass dispersity is specified as Mw/Mn ≤1.30. These specifications make the material relevant to analytical workflows requiring a defined low-molar-mass polystyrene standard.
Polystyrene standards are widely used for conventional GPC/SEC calibration. Because conventional narrow-standard SEC is a relative method, results obtained for chemically different polymers against a polystyrene calibration are appropriately reported on a polystyrene-equivalent molar-mass basis unless the analytical method provides polymer-specific or independently determined molar-mass information.
Key Properties
- Polystyrene analytical standard
- Nominal molecular weight designation: ~600
- Weight-average molar mass (Mw) by GPC: 550–700 g/mol
- Molar-mass dispersity: Mw/Mn ≤1.30
- CAS number: 9003-53-6
- Molecular formula: (C8H8)x
- Physical state: viscous liquid
- Storage: room temperature
Applications
GPC/SEC Calibration
Polystyrene standards are widely used in conventional GPC/SEC calibration to relate chromatographic elution behavior to polymer molar mass. For quantitative work, use the characterized standard value required by the laboratory's validated calibration procedure.
Polymer Molar-Mass Characterization
This low-molar-mass polystyrene standard may be incorporated into GPC/SEC workflows used to characterize polymer molar-mass distributions and compare chromatographic behavior across an appropriate calibration range.
Method Development & Comparative Analysis
Defined-molar-mass polystyrene standards are used in chromatographic method development and comparative polymer analysis where reproducible calibration materials are required.
Solubility & GPC/SEC Considerations
- Select a solvent system compatible with the polystyrene standard, chromatographic column, and detector
- Use calibration standards appropriate to the molar-mass range being evaluated
- Apply consistent chromatographic conditions to calibration standards and analytical samples
- Follow the instrument and column manufacturer's recommendations for standard preparation and concentration
Conventional SEC calibration is relative to the polymer standards used. When chemically dissimilar polymers are evaluated against a polystyrene calibration, the calculated molar masses should be interpreted as polystyrene-equivalent values unless another validated calibration or molar-mass determination approach is used.
Application Tips
- Use the characterized molar-mass value required by the analytical method rather than treating the nominal ~600 designation as an exact value
- Select standards that adequately cover the intended calibration range
- Maintain consistent chromatographic conditions throughout calibration and sample analysis
- Confirm that the selected solvent, column chemistry, detector, and analytical method are appropriate for the intended measurement
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Ensure good ventilation during handling
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses
- Wear suitable protective clothing during laboratory handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Polystyrene MW ~600 used for?
Polystyrene MW ~600 is a low-molar-mass analytical standard used in GPC/SEC calibration, polymer molar-mass characterization, method development, and comparative polymer analysis.
2. What does MW ~600 mean for this polystyrene standard?
The ~600 designation is a nominal molecular-weight designation. The product specification defines the weight-average molar mass (Mw), determined by GPC, as 550–700 g/mol.
3. What is the dispersity of Polystyrene MW ~600?
The product specification gives Mw/Mn ≤1.30. Mw/Mn is the molar-mass dispersity, commonly referred to historically as the polydispersity index or PDI.
4. Can Polystyrene MW ~600 be used for GPC/SEC calibration?
Yes. Polystyrene standards are widely used for conventional GPC/SEC calibration. For quantitative calibration, use the characterized standard value and calibration procedure appropriate to the analytical method rather than assuming the nominal ~600 designation is an exact molar mass.
5. What is the CAS number for Polystyrene MW ~600?
The CAS number is 9003-53-6.
Safety & Documentation
Store Polystyrene MW ~600 at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation, protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing during handling. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling and safety information.
