Reversible Helix−Helix Transition of Poly(β-phenylpropyl l-aspartate) Involving a Screw-Sense Inversion in the Solid State

Poly(β-phenylpropyl l -aspartate) exhibits a novel helix−helix transition in the solid state at around 160 °C. The transition takes place reversibly in a narrow temperature range during a heating and cooling cycle, indicating that it is essentially of a first order. A combined use of circular dichroism, X-ray, and 13 C CP/MAS NMR measurements revealed that the transition is due to an interconversion of the helical screw sense from a right-handed α-helix to a left-handed helix. An unwinding and rewinding of the helical screw occurs concertedly along the polypeptide backbone without disturbing the uniaxial orientation of the helix axes.