Catalytic one-handed helix-induction and memory of amphiphilic poly(biphenylylacetylene)s in water

Abstract A series of amphiphilic biphenylylacetylene-based homo- and copolymers (PBPAs) carrying chiral and/or achiral oligo(ethylene glycol) pendants at the 4’-position of the biphenyl units were synthesized and the amplification of the macromolecular helicity through noncovalent and/or covalent chiral interactions followed by the memory of the helicity were investigated in both water and organic solvents. The macromolecular helicity was efficiently induced in the homopolymers of achiral monomers through specific encapsulation of a catalytic amount of hydrophobic chiral guests in water and their induced helicities were stably memorized in water after complete removal of the optically-activ…