Helix-sense-selective polymerization of phenyl[bis(2-pyridyl)]methyl methacrylate and chiral recognition ability of the polymer

Phenyl[bis(2-pyridyl)]methyl methacrylate (PB2PyMA) was synthesized and anionically polymerized with the complexes of organolithiums with (-)-sparteine (Sp), (S,S)-(+)- and (R,R)-(-)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis(dimethylamino)butanes [(+)- and (-)-DDB], and (S)-(+)-1-(2-pyrrolidinylmethyl) pyrrolidine (PMP) in toluene at low temperature. The polymers obtained with Sp and DBB complexes showed low optical activity. PMP complexes were effective in synthesizing a polymer with high optical rotation ([α] 25 365 ∼ +1350°)