Estimation of the characteristic ratio of poly[2-(triphenylmethoxy)ethyl methacrylate] from hydrodynamic properties of its dilute solutions

Properties of poly[2-(triphenylmethoxy)ethyl methacrylate] (PTEMA) molecules in solutions (under O-conditions and in “good” solvents) were investigated by the light scattering, sedimentation, viscometric and by phase equilibria methods. The O-temperature (47°) was determined for the system mesitylene-PTEMA. Unusual correlations of hydrodynamic data with molecular weight are discussed and slight branching of polymer chains is accepted as a probable explanation. Data for mesitylene solutions under O-conditions are used to estimate the characteristic ratio of PTEMA molecules ($\text{R}{}_0{}^2\text{/nl}{}^2\text{= 19}$).