PROTON-TRANSFER DYNAMICS IN POLYGLYCINE

Inelastic neutron-scattering spectra from 30 to 4000 cm(-1) of partial ly deuterated polyglycine I and II of (-COCD2-NH-)(n) were obtained at similar to 25 K using the TFXA spectrometer. The dynamics of the (N)H proton are similar in the two structures, but totally different from those proposed previously. These dynamics are associated with a weaken ing of the N-H bond due to the ionic character of the hydrogen bond (N -delta-...(+)... O-delta-) and proton transfer.