Infrared spectra and molecular conformations of poly‐γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate

The infrared spectra and chain conformations of films of poly‐γ‐benzyl‐ L ‐glutamate and the N‐deuterated derivative were studied. The IR dichroism of oriented films of the high moleculare weight polymer was measured, and also the IR spectra of three samples of low molecular weight homologs. The amide‐V‐band was found to be useful for studying the chain conformations of polypeptides, particularly for distinguishing between the α‐helical form and the disordered form.