Random-coil dimensions of poly(methylphenylsiloxane) and their dependence on stereochemical structure

Rotational isomeric state theory was used to study the unperturbed dimensions 〈r²〉₀ of poly(methylphenylsiloxane) (PMPS) chains Si(CH₃)(C₆H₅)? O? ]_x as a function of their stereochemical structure. The required conformational energies were obtained from semi-empirical, interatomic potential energy functions and from known results on poly(dimethylsiloxane). PMPS chains were found to differ from monosubstituted and disubstituted vinyl chains primarily in the larger distance of separation between groups in conformations giving rise to “pentanetype interactions.” In PMPS, the relatively large distance of separation, 3.8 Å, makes such in teractions attractive, particularly in the case of two phenyl groups; in contrast, such interactions are strongly repulsive at the ～2.5 Å separation characterizing vinyl chains. According to the calculated results, PMPS chains are very different from vinyl chains in that increase in isotacticity should cause a significant decrease in 〈r²〉₀ and increase in d ln 〈r²〉₀/dT. Comparison of theory with experimental results in the literature suggests that PMPS polymers which have been studied in this regard must have been significantly syndiotactic in stereochemical structure.