Improved expression of the mean-square radius of gyration, 3. 1,4-polydienes

The mean-square radii of gyration of cis- and trans-1,4-polybutadiene and corresponding 1,4-polyisoprene were derived using Abe's and Flory's rotational isomeric scheme. Calculations performed using available experimental data showed that the dependence of the mean-square radius of gyration on the molecular weight for these stereoregular polydienes can be expressed as where a and b are constants characteristic of the polymer. This behaviour is analogous to that of vinyl polymers and poly-1,1-disubstituted ethylenes discussed in the preceding papers of the present series. The mean-square radius of gyration of 1,4-polyisoprene with predominantly trans units is more sensitive to stereoirregularity than with predominantly cis units. However, 1,4-polybutadiene chains are comparatively insensitive to the stereochemical composition.