Optical activity measurements in solids 5. Optical rotation of natural polymers

Abstract

Abstract The optical activity of ten natural‐type polymers [poly(α‐aminoacids), polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids] was measured in solution, as solid powders in suspension, and where possible in the form of films. In some cases the specific rotation of powder samples showed significant differences to the values obtained from solution measurements. The discrepances seem to reflect the arrangements of polymer chains in supermolecular assemblies in the polymer solid state.