Une Nouvelle Classe de Polymeres d′α-Olefines ayant une Régularité de Structure Exceptionnelle

The exceptional properties of a new class of linear polymeric hydrocarbons, obtained by the polymerization of α-olefins, are described. The high melting points, the high degree of crystallinity, the low solubility, and the special mechanical properties of these polymers are attributed to a particular regularity of structure, due to the existence, in each macromolecule, of a long sequence of asymetric carbon atoms, all having the same steric configuration. It is suggested that this special type of order of asymetric carbon atoms in linear macromolecules be called “isotactical.”