The configurational statistics of polymeric chains

Abstract A short review of the works of the author and his co‐workers in the field of configurational statistics of macromolecules is given. Results are quoted of the calculations relating the dimensions, dipole moments, and optical anisotropies of the chains with the conditions of internal rotation and stereoisomerism. Isotactic and syndiotactic chains are examined. The fundamental ideas of the mathematical methods developed are quoted. The calculations are carried out in usual approximation assuming the independence of the rotations around neighbor bonds, and in the next approximations taking into account the correlation of internal rotations inside monomeric units and between them. Comparison of the theory with experiment, using the rotational‐isomeric approximation, has shown in particular that the dimensions and the optical anisotropy of the polyisobutylene molecules can be explained by the examination of their configurations in the crystalline state. The excluded volume effects in the branched chains and their influence on the asymmetry of light scattering are investigated. Some experimental results are explained with the help of this investigation.