The relationship between structure and properties of crystalline, high-melting polyhydrocarbons

Twenty‐two α‐olefin monomers with varying degrees and types of branching in the lateral group have been polymerized and the polymers characterized. In general, the closer the branching in the side chain is to the polyethylene trunk, the higher the degree of crystallinity and the crystalline melting point. The degree of branching and the symmetry of the branches also affects the melting point and crystallinity markedly. Relationships have been drawn between type and position of the branch and melting point.