Spectroscopic characterization and chiroptical properties of the copolymers of (−)3‐menthyl acrylate and (−)3‐menthyl methacrylate with styrene

Optically active copolymers of (−)3‐menthyl acrylate (MtA) and (−)3‐menthyl methacrylate (MtMA) with styrene (St) of different compositions were prepared by radical initiation. The reactivity ratios were determined by the least square evaluation of the Kelen‐Tüdös parameters. Substantially alternating copolymers by donor‐acceptor complex polymerization and the corresponding model compounds were also prepared. Spectroscopic and chiroptical properties of these copolymers and models were studied. The possible mechanisms of the generation of the induced dissymmetry of the longest wavelength π → π* electronic transition of the aromatic chromophore of St co‐units are discussed.