Polyurethanes. II. Effect of cis‐trans isomerism on properties of polyurethanes

The cis and trans isomers of 1,4‐cyclohexanediol and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol were reacted with methylene bis(4‐phenyl isocyanate), using solution polymerization techniques, to form the corresponding cis and trans polyurethanes. The properties shown by these polyurethanes indicate that enhanced flexibility due to inclined rotating bonds is responsible for differences in polymer melting points. The polymer chain shape, or configuration, has also been shown to influence the polymer properties. This approach has been extended to include differences in polymer solubilities, molecular weight/inherent viscosity ratios, initial modulus, and water absorption.