Covalent and Supramolecular Helical Polymers Based on Axially Chiral Allenes

Abstract

Molecular switches, supramolecular chemistry, and polymers can be combined to create stimuli-responsive multi-chiral materials. Herein, novel mechanisms to modify the helical scaffold in helical systems are presented based on axially chiral allenes. The screw sense of the helical system is determined by the priority of the allenyl substituents that can be altered with respect to the backbone by external stimuli. Hence, a helix inversion occurs through a novel axial-to-helical communication mechanism, opening a new scenario for taming the helices of chiral dynamic helical polymers.