Optical activity of doubly ordered macromolecules

In order to analyze the optical activity of poly-N--carbobenzoxy-L-,-diaminobutyric acid, the microscopic model we have previously worked out is here further developed. Comparison with experimental data allows us to formulate a hypothesis on the stereochemical interaction between the side chains and the backbone of the macromolecule, and on the dependence of the optical activity on the conformational state of the backbone itself. Finally, the thermodynamic parameters concerning the side chains are estimated.