X-Ray Diffraction Studies on the Structure of α Chitin

13Citations
Citations of this article
5Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The structure for α-chitin originally proposed by Carlström is generally considered to be the true structure. However, it fails to account for several remaining problems of chitin structure which include a complete explanation of the infrared spectrum and also the different properties of α- and β-chitins. We have reexamined the structure by X-ray diffraction using automatic rigid subunit least-squares refinement and also the difference Fourier method. The R-value was reduced from 0.31 to 0.22 by a number of small modifications to the structure proposed by Carlström. Consideration of symmetry suggests that two distinct types of statistical modifications could be present in the structure, both of which would allow complete intersheet hydrogen bonding between O6H groups within the general framework of Carlström structure. The X-ray results give some support to one of these modifications. However, it is predictable that both would affect the X-ray diffraction only marginally so that a clear proof lies beyond the present sensitivity of the method. The proposed extra hydrogen bonding in α-chitin provides the first clear explanation for the different properties of these kinds of chitin. © 1976, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.

Author supplied keywords

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Haleem, M. A., & Parker, K. D. (1976). X-Ray Diffraction Studies on the Structure of α Chitin. Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung - Section C Journal of Biosciences, 31(7–8), 383–389. https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-1976-7-806

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free