| Abstract: | The novel inorganic polymer poly(aquahydroxychromium diphenylphosphinate) was investigated to obtain information concerning its degree of polydispersity and properties when dissolved in organic solvents. Viscometric, infrared absorption spectroscopic, and electrical conductimetric techniques were employed to ascertain the characteristics of the polymer dissolved in benzene, chlorobenzene, and chloroform. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the degree of heterogeneity of the polymer. Results indicate that the polymer, as prepared, is quite polydisperse. The polymer main chains do not undergo radical reactions with the solvents. High values of the Huggins interaction constant K′ suggest that polymer–solvent association reactions involving chain-endgroups are probable. Such reactions are also indicated by association constant values and by the shapes of phoreograms obtained from electrical conductance data. Both “local” and “bulk” solvent properties, such as the dielectric constant, appear to influence the characteristics of the polymer when dissolved in the different solvents. |
