Twist sense bias induced by chiral side chains in helically folded oligomers

Abstract

Cooperative interactions among the side chains of the helically folded phenylene-ethynylene oligomer shown (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) can induce a twist sense bias. Therefore, the side chains can play more than just an ancillary role in these conformationally ordered oligomers. The onset of the twist sense bias lags significantly behind the appearance of helical conformations, possibly because a large ensemble of 'collapsed' conformations is initially formed.