Préparation et étude des propriétés chiroptiques de poly(tert‐butyloxiranne)s optiquement actifs

Optically active poly(tert‐butyloxirane)s of various molecular weights were prepared by polymerization of R(–)‐tert‐butyloxirane with different initiators or by stereoelective polymerization of the racemic monomer. Using identical conditions of polymerization (initiator, temperature etc.) it was found that the pure enantiomer polymerizes much faster than the racemic monomer. The chiroptical properties of the obtained polymers showed similarities in behaviour with those of a synthetized linear model molecule representative for a monomeric unit of the polymer. The enhanced optical activities of low molecular weight polymers were correlated with the presence of chelated hydroxylic end‐groups.