Special odd-even effect of degree of oligomerization on properties of cyclic oligoesters.

We demonstrate here seven pure cyclic samples, which belongs to two series of oligoesters, cyclic oligo(trimethylene terephthalate)s (COTTs) and cyclic oligo(butylene terephthalate)s (COBTs), showing odd-even effect of degree of oligomerization (repeating units number) on properties. The pentamer of COTT and trimer of COBT show much lower melting temperature, and the trimer of COTT and trimer of COBT show significant lower refractive index, which can be ascribed to the low packing density of cyclic oligoesters with odd number of degree of oligomerization. Our results reveal the discrete property change as a function of cyclic size of oligomers, which can be used to design materials with special properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]