| Abstract: | Poly(L -glutamate) esters ( 3a – 3d ) with long alkyl side chains containing a mesogenic aromatic segment at the terminal position were synthesized. The superstructure of these polypeptides in solution and film were found to hold a α-helical conformation which was confirmed by CD, IR, and dichroic IR spectroscopy. The thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was investigated by DSC, x-ray diffraction, and polarizing microscopy with hot stage. Polymers 3a and 3b , having transesterification over 60%, were assumed at least to have two liquid crystalline states. Polymer 3c-H-95 exhibited one crystalline state and two liquid crystalline states; however, 3d-H-97 did not show distinct liquid crystalline states. |
