Structure formation in systems involving poly(ethylene oxide) and small molecules

The structure of the intercalates in which poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, is the host component and para-disubstituted benzenes are the guest molecules is completely elucidated by X-ray diffractometry, polarized FTIR spectrography, and calorimetry. It is shown that the association of these molecules results from the adaptation of the shape of their external surfaces. On this basis the possibility of formation of structure involving PEO and small molecules is discussed.