NCA_Polymerization
O
O
n
O
O
+
NH2
N
H
-n CO2
O
O
H
N
n
H
O
NHC6H13
O
CH2
The reaction above shows polymerization that actually is done in the Daly, Zhang,
Negulescu and Russo labs—creation of a synthetic homopolypeptide, in this case
poly(benzylglutamate). Estimate the number average molecular weight, weight
average molecular weight and the length (as alpha helix…look up the needed
parameters) of the polypeptide produced when 3.35 g of monomer is initiated by
0.0532 g of hexylamine initiator. State assumptions you used. What do you
expect for Mw/Mn?
Grading Criteria
Correct Mn: 4 points
Correct Mw/Mn: 4 points
Assumptions: 2 points