The first four volumes of the series on 'Charged and Reactive Polymers' have been devoted to polymers in solution (Voh. I and II) or in gel and membrane forms (Vols. III and IV). In correlation with charges, other physical or chemical properties of macro molecules have been considered. Understanding of charge and hydrophobic effects is equally important for synthetic and biopolymers or their systems. Optically Active Polymers are related to problems of the same class, since optical activity is an inherent property of both natural macromolecules as well as a great variety of polymers synthesized in the Jast twenty years. Optical activity is a physical spectral property of chiral matter caused by asymmetrical configurations, conformations and structures which have no plane and no center of symmetry and consequently have two mirror image enantiomeric forms of inverse optical rotation. The racemic mixture of chiral enantiomers is optically inactive. The most common form of optical activity was first measured at a constant wavelength by the angle of rotation of linearly polarized light. More recently the measurements have been extended to the entire range of visible and attainable ultraviolet regions where electronic transitions are observed, giving rise to the ORD technique (Optical Rotatory Dispersion). The Cotton effects appear in the region of optically active absorption bands; outside of these bands the plain curve spectrum is also dependent on all the electronic transitions of the chromophores.

This unique book stands as the only comprehensive introduction to vibrational optical activity (VOA) and is the first single book that serves as a complete reference for this relatively new, but increasingly important area of molecular spectroscopy. Key features: A single-source reference on this topic that introduces, describes the background and foundation of this area of spectroscopy. Serves as a guide on how to use it to carry out applications with relevant problem solving. Depth and breadth of the subject is presented in a logical, complete and progressive fashion. Although intended as an introductory text, this book provides in depth coverage of this topic relevant to both students and professionals by taking the reader from basic theory through to practical and instrumental approaches.

Unter Zirkulardichroismus (CD) versteht man die spezifisch unterschiedliche Absorption von links- und rechtszirkular polarisiertem Licht durch bestimmte Moleküle. CD-Effekte lassen sich in Abhängigkeit von der Wellenlänge messen und spektroskopisch auswerten. Dieser Band erläutert Theorie und Anwendung der CD-Spektroskopie insbesondere für Biomoleküle. Ausführlich behandelt werden Anwendungen auf den Gebieten der organischen Stereochemie und der Biopolymere. Geschrieben von anerkannten Spezialisten! (06/00)

The progress in polymer science is revealed in the chapters of Polymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference, Ten Volume Set. In Volume 1, this is reflected in the improved understanding of the properties of polymers in solution, in bulk and in confined situations such as in thin films. Volume 2 addresses new characterization techniques, such as high resolution optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and other procedures for surface and interface characterization. Volume 3 presents the great progress achieved in precise synthetic polymerization techniques for vinyl monomers to control macromolecular architecture: the development of metallocene and post-metallocene catalysis for olefin polymerization, new ionic polymerization procedures, and atom transfer radical polymerization, nitroxide mediated polymerization, and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer systems as the most often used controlled/living radical polymerization methods. Volume 4 is devoted to kinetics, mechanisms and applications of ring opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and cycloolefins (ROMP), as well as to various less common polymerization techniques. Polycondensation and non-chain polymerizations, including dendrimer synthesis and various "click" procedures, are covered in Volume 5. Volume 6 focuses on several aspects of controlled macromolecular architectures and soft nano-objects including hybrids and bioconjugates. Many of the achievements would have not been possible without new characterization techniques like AFM that allowed direct imaging of single molecules and nano-objects with a precision available only recently. An entirely new aspect in polymer science is based on the combination of bottom-up methods such as polymer synthesis and molecularly programmed self-assembly with top-down structuring such as lithography and surface templating, as presented in Volume 7. It encompasses polymer and nanoparticle assembly in bulk and under confined conditions or influenced by an external field, including thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, or nanofibers. Volume 8 expands these concepts focusing on applications in advanced technologies, e.g. in electronic industry and centers on combination with top down approach and functional properties like conductivity. Another type of functionality that is of rapidly increasing importance in polymer science is introduced in volume 9. It deals with various aspects of polymers in biology and medicine, including the response of living cells and tissue to the contact with biofunctional particles and surfaces. The last volume is devoted to the scope and potential provided by environmentally benign and green polymers, as well as energy-related polymers. They discuss new technologies needed for a sustainable economy in our world of limited resources. Provides broad and in-depth coverage of all aspects of polymer science from synthesis/polymerization, properties, and characterization methods and techniques to nanostructures, sustainability and energy, and biomedical uses of polymers Provides a definitive source for those entering or researching in this area by integrating the multidisciplinary aspects of the science into one unique, up-to-date reference work Electronic version has complete cross-referencing and multi-media components Volume editors are world experts in their field (including a Nobel Prize winner)

This book provides an introduction to all those who wish to use the complementary spectroscopic techniques of optical activity (circular dichroism, CD) and optical anisotropy (linear dichroism, LD) for the study of the structure of molecules and interactions between molecules in solution. It emphasizes these techniques and how to use them for both low and high molecular weight molecules. The book begins by describing the principles behind CD and LD and how these techniques can be used in the laboratory without using advanced maths or quantum mechanics. The next chapters describe how both techniques may be applied to the study of biological macromolecules and give a detailed description of how they may be used on small molecules to investigate molecular and electronic structure. The final part contains theoretical derivations of all the equations required for the applications described previously. Specific molecular examples are used to illustrate concepts and to show the reader how to use the techniques in chemical and biological systems. Circular Dichroism and Linear Dichroism is an easy guide to what a prospective user of CD needs to know and explains how LD is not merely an exotic technique only to be practiced by experienced spectroscopists, but may be routinely and usefully employed as an aid to molecular structure determination.

Circular dichroism is a special technique which provides unique information on dissymmetric molecules. Such compounds are becoming increasingly important in a wide variety of fields, such as natural products chemistry, pharmaceutics, molecular biology, etc. The content of this book has been selected in order to feature the unique aspects of circular dichroism, and how these strengths can be of assistance to workers in the field. Substantial discussions have been provided regarding the particular phenomena associated with dissymmetric compounds which give rise to the circular dichroism effect. Reviews are also given of the type of instrumentation available for the measurement of these effects. A number of chapters cover the wide range of applications illustrating the power of the method. Owing to its broad appeal, the book will be of interest to workers in all areas of chemistry and pharmaceutical science.