A coil-to-globule transition in macromolecules with anthracene-containing units

For copolymers bearing a small amount (0.1-0.2 mol %) of anthracene-contain ing units, the mobility of the side chains of macromolecules under the cond itions of the coil-to-globule transition was studied. Relaxation times were determined by analyzing the emission anisotropy decay of dilute (0.01%) so lutions with the aid of pulsed luminescence excited by a synchrotron radiat ion source. It was shown that, upon the formation of the globular structure of these polymers, the mobility of anthracene-containing side chains incre ases, decreases, or remains invariable as dependent on the polymer structur e. Thus, the behavior of such chains may serve as a sensitive indicator of the structure of a globule and its functional properties.