Analysis of the random configuration of the polycarbonate of diphenylol‐2,2′‐propane

The structure of the polycarbonate chain has been analyzed from the point of view of the spatial configurations it may assume. The carbonate group is certainly planar, and the trans,trans configuration probably is strongly preferred. Rotations about the aryloxygen bonds are subject to symmetric, twofold potentials. It follows that the molecule can be treated as a freely rotating chain consisting of a succession of virtual bonds 7.0 Å in length, joined at angles of ca. 112°. Calculations carried out on this basis yield 〈 r 2 〉 0 / M = 0.85 Å 2 /g‐mole wt for the unperturbed random coil, in excellent agreement with the experimental results of Berry, Nomura, and Mayhan. The effect of occurrence of some of the carbonate groups in cis, trans configurations is investigated using more elaborate methods.