Optical activity of alternating copolymers of chiral α-olefins with alkyl acrylates

The synthesis of high-molecular-weight substantially alternating copolymers of alkyl acrylates with optically active α-olefins is reported. “Induced optical activity” on the side-chain ester chromophores, depending on the chemical structure of the chiral α-olefin, is indicated by CD measurements. Data are reported supporting the conclusion that this induced optical activity is related to a preferential chiral conformation of the macromolecules due to a cooperative effect.