Photoinduced racemization of an optically active helical polymer formed by the asymmetric polymerization of 2,7-bis(4-tertbutylphenyl)fluoren-9-yl acrylate

Abstract

(Figure Presented) A trick of light: An optically active preferred-handed helical polymer synthesized by asymmetric anionic polymerization underwent Stereomutation upon photoirradiation, whereas the helix remained stable upon heating (see picture). This photoinduced racemization of a synthetic helical polymer occurred without any changes in chemical bonding, such as bond formation, bond cleavage, or the isomerization of a double bond. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.