Polymer conformation and viscometric behaviour, 3. Synthesis,characterization and conformational studies in poly(mono-n-octyl itaconate)

The unperturbed dimensions and the steric factor σ of poly(mono-n-octyl itaconate) (poly-(1-carboxy-1-octyloxycarbonylmethylethylene)) were determined from the intrinsic viscosities in two solvents, using the semiempirical equation of Stockmayer and Fixman. Evidence for the existence of specific effects was found. The irregular behaviour observed, can be interpreted in terms of conformational changes and conformational transitions of the polymeric chain, induced both by solvent and temperature. The effect of the structure of the monomeric unit on the flexibility of the macromolecule is discussed.