FAR ULTRAVIOLET CIRCULAR-DICHROISM OF SOLUTIONS, GELS, AND FILMS OF CHITINS

Circular dichroism spectra are reported for hexafluoro-2-propanol solutions of chitin (to 160 nm) and chitan (to 180 nm), Films of chitin and chitan cast from hexafluoro-2-propanol (to 140 nm), films of chitin cast from HC1 (to 160 and 140 nm), gels of chitin and chitan (to 188 nm), and films of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucosamine cast from hexafluoro-2-propanol (to 150 nm). We associate the polymer CD observed in the solid state (films and gels) with conformations reported previously for chitin and chitan mats. A trans amide conformation and intermolecular hydrogen bonding are proposed as the important determinants of the observed solid-state CD. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.