On the solid state and solution conformations of a polycarboxylate derived from the polysaccharide scleroglucan

Abstract

The main conformational features of a polycarboxylate (S-1·0) derived from the polysaccharide scleroglucan have been investigated in the solid state and in aqueous solution. X-Ray diffraction experiments performed on oriented fibres indicate the presence of triple helices both at low and high relative humidity. Aqueous solution studies, carried out by means of polarimetry, potentiometry and viscosimetry indicate that S-1·0 chains in water (neutral pH) are in an essentially disordered state and can undergo salt-induced and pH-induced conformational changes. Tentative models are proposed for S-1·0 solution conformations which may account for both the solid state and solution experimental results.