Helix-sense-selective polymerization of diphenyl-2-pyridylmethyl methacrylate with chiral anionic initiators

Polymerization of diphenyl-2-pyridylmethyl methacrylate was carried out with the complexes of organolithium compounds with 22 chiral ligands. Helix-sense-selectivity of the polymerization was largely affected by a slight structural difference of chiral ligands. (+)-(S)-2-(1-Pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine was the most effective ligand in producing a one-handed helical polymer with narrow molecular weight distribution.