Measuring local conformations of polymers

The conformational state of a chain molecule can be specified by a set of bond lengths, (ly), a set of bond angles, 9y, and a set of rotation angles for [Pg.27]

To observe particular rotational isomeric states, the method must be much more rapid than the rate of conformational isomerization. Optical methods such as absorption spectroscopy or light-scattering spectroscopy provide a short-time probe of the molecular conformation. If the electronic states of the molecule are strongly coupled to the backbone conformation, the ultraviolet or visible spectrum of the molecule can be used to study the conformational composition. The vibrational states of macromolecules are often coupled to the backbone conformation. The frequencies of molecular vibrations can be determined by infrared absorption spectroscopy and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The basic principles of vibrational spectres- [Pg.29]