Syntheses of optically active polymers by condensation polymerization of d‐tartaric acid with some diamines

In order to synthesize optically active polymers which have asymmetric carbon atoms in the polymer main chain, polyamides were synthesized at high temperatures by the condensation of the salt prepared from d ‐tartaric acid with diamines, such as hexamethylenediamine, o ‐, m ‐, and p ‐phenylenediamine. Effects of the solvent, polymerization time, intrinsic viscosity, and pH on the degree of the specific rotation of polyhexamethylene‐ d ‐tartaramide, were investigated. From the results of hydrolyses of the polymers, it was found that d ‐tartaric acid is not racemized during condensation polymerization.