Highly Efficient Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of an Achiral Phenylacetylene Having a Bulky Group

Abstract A novel achiral phenylacetylene having a bulky t-butyl group was synthesized and polymerized by a chiral catalytic system containing [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd: norbornadiene) and chiral amines to yield a one-handed helical polymer having a much higher g value than polymers with no bulky groups. Highly efficient helix-sense-selective polymerization has been achieved using a bulky monomer and a less bulky chiral cocatalyst.