Abstract
The solution conformation of the tri- and tetrasaccharide obtained by enzymatic degradation of glucan has been analysed using molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance data. The overall shape of both compounds is fairly similar and may be described by an equilibrium formed by conformers included in the low energy regions for both glycosidic linkages. The interglycosidic torsion angles for these conformers are φH = 15±45° and ψH = −20±30° for both β(1→4) linkages and φH = 40±15° and ψH = −20±35° for the corresponding ß(1→3)-linked moiety.