Random coil

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009916",
  "term": "Random coil",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A polymer conformation characterized by a highly flexible and disordered arrangement of its chain segments, resembling a statistical coil. This conformation is adopted by many linear polymers in good solvents or in the melt, where there are no strong interactions dictating a more ordered structure. The dimensions of a random coil are often described by its radius of gyration.",
  "synonyms": [
    "statistical coil"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "conformation"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 50 (http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/author/metanomski.html)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/random-coil/"
}