Abstract
AbstractThe potentiometric data concerning the dependence of the apparent pK with the degree of neutralization and the nature of counterions (Na or Ca) of galacturonic oligomers and polymers are discussed. They are characterized by an apparent charge density λapp which predicts their electrostatic behavior. The calculated osmotic coefficients from Katchalsky and Manning's theories are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained by potentiometry. The dependence of the osmotic coefficient (ϕCa) as a function of the polymer concentration is established by potentiometry and interpreted in terms of a multichain aggregation. In addition, it is proven that no Ca2+ is ever fixed in excess of stoichiometry. The dependence of CD spectra obtained under the same conditions as the pK measurements shows analogies between the two sets of results. The CD data, in agreement with 13C‐nmr measurements, suggest that in dilute solutions the polymer adopts two conformations: one (acidic form) which may be represented by threefold screw symmetry and a second (Na or Ca form) which can be related to a twofold screw symmetry. The twofold screw symmetry is known to allow the formation of cooperative “egg‐box” fixation of Ca without conformation change.
Published Version
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