Abstract: | The coupling of theoretical optical calculations with experimental data provides a check of the validity of the theory or provides conformational information. The theory was validated by studies in which the approximate conformation was located independently. These studies have shown that a theory restricted to the two lowest energy transitions for each chromophore gives qualitative agreement with experiment. On the other hand, for some of the proline derivatives, the theoretical treatment allows detailed conformational assignments. Both successes and failures in correlating theory with experiment are discussed. The results presented provide a basis for assessing the prospects for relating protein and polypeptide optical activity to their conformations. |