Abstract
The influence of alicyclic side groups on the unperturbed chain dimensions of polymethacrylates is reported. Cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, and cyclododecyl side groups resulted in characteristic ratios respectively of 10.0, 11.2, 12.1, and 14.2. These findings indicate that an increase in the size of the alicyclic side group leads to a concomitant enhancement in C∞. The same trend was previously noted for poly(n-alkyl methacrylates). For alicyclic side groups C∞ is larger than for the corresponding poly(n-alkyl methacrylate). These differences are attributed to the diminished flexibility and closer center of mass (to the backbone) for alicyclic substituents. © 1989, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.