Statistical Lengths of Rubber-Like Hydrocarbon Molecules

Abstract

The root mean square lengths of trans‐, cis‐, and random rubber‐like hydrocarbon molecules are calculated. These results are compared with the maximum possible lengths of the trans‐ and cis‐varieties and interpreted from the point of view of recent theories of rubber elasticity. It is found that the cis‐structure should be more elastic than the trans‐structure but the calculated difference is not large. The theory is probably sufficient to account for the properties of polychloroprene as compared to natural rubber, but stearic forces are necessary to explain the lack of elasticity in balata or gutta‐percha.