AbstractRotational isomeric‐state chain‐configurational calculations have been applied to the novolac phenol–formaldehyde structure. Steric interference allows the chain to be considered with a twofold potential energy barrier model. Computations that fit the observed dipole‐moment data over a range of molecular weights indicate that the conformational angle is near ±80°, with theg±g=states on the average being 155 cal/mole below theg±g±states. The limiting dipole‐moment ratio is computed to be 1.47, compared to the experimental value of 1.48. A negative temperature coefficient agrees in sign with the experimental value, and the characteristic ratio of the end‐to‐end molecular dimensions is calculated to be 3.27, as compared to the experime