Studies on Structure and Conformation of Synthetic Polypeptides

II. Molecular Conformation of Poly-γ-methyl-L-glutamate in Various Two-Component Solvents

Abstract

The molecular conformations of poly-γ-methyl-L-glutamate in various solvents were studied by viscosity and optical rotatory dispersion measurements, and helix-random coil transformation was discussed as a function of solvent composition. The mixed solvents used were dichloroacetic acid-m-cresol system, trifluoroacetic acid-acetic acid system, and mixtures of dichloroacetic acid and organic solvents, such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, halides, hydrocarbons, and other polar solvents. Many helix-solvents composed of twocomponent mixture were found in this study.