Conformations of Macromolecules and Intramolecular Conformational Transitions

Theoretical studies concerning the conformations of macromolecules and performed by the author (or with participation of the author) in the period from the 1950s to the present time are reviewed. The review demonstrates the diversity of conformations of macromolecules and shows how the evolution of polymer science determined the formulation of successive tasks in the theoretical research of conformations and conformational transitions in macromolecules. Advancing the molecular theory of flexibility of macromolecules and the theory of intramolecular conformational transitions helix-coil and globule-coil is considered. Conformations of regularly branched (star-like and comb-shaped) macromolecules are discussed within the framework of the polymer brush concept, and the conformational transition uncharged globule-ionized star in a starlike pH-sensitive homopolyelectrolyte with amphiphilic monomer units is examined. Conformational transition coil-flower in the linear polymer chain embedded into a planar polymer brush is described. Structural peculiarities of dendron brushes are discussed, and it is shown that their use as a matrix makes it possible to elaborate the model of thermosensitive molecular switch.