Stereochemical control by inclusion polymerization

Inclusion polymerization consists in the polymerization of unsaturated monomers inserted, as guest molecules, into the crystal lattice of a different host molecule. Polymers thus obtained often possess a high constitutional and configurational regularity. In some cases they also present optical activity and an extended-chain macroconformation in the nascent state. Structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies provide evidence that the reaction takes place in the solid phase. Various types of reaction control are examined and data are presented, showing that asymmetric induction is transmitted through space and not through bonds.