Abstract
The reduced mixing entropy, which is a concentration and unimer independent equivalent to the polymer mixing entropy defined by Flory, for various probabilistic distributed polymer distributions is calculated. The unbranched most probable distribution proves to reach an extremum value at any given number average degree of polymerization, clearly differentiating it from both broader and narrower polymer distributions with branching structures. Entropy driven polymerization reactions thus inevitably produce unbranched polymer structures as discussed for the case of inulin biosynthesis.
Publisher
Verlag Dr. Albert Bartens KG
Reference5 articles.
1. Beck, R.H.; Huber, A. (2013a): Statistic thermodynamic analysis of fructans – Part 1: Molar mass distribution of inulin and modeling of inulin biosynthesis. Sugar Industry/Zuckerind. 138, 91–96
2. Beck, R.H.; Huber, A. (2013b): Statistic thermodynamic analysis of fructans – Part 2: Chain configuration parameters of non-branched and branched fructans–Branching structure and molar mass distribution of branched fructans. Sugar Industry/Zuckerind. 138, 219–224
3. Edelman, J.; Jefford, T. (1968): The mechanisim of fructosan metabolism in higher plants as exemplified in Helianthus tuberosus. New Phytologist 67, 517–531
4. Flory, P.J. (1953): Principles of polymer chemistry. Cornell Univ Press
5. Wiemken, A.; Frehner, M.; et al. (1986): Fructan metabolism, enzymology and compartmentation. Curr Top Plant Biochem Physiol 5, 17–37