Optically active poly(phenylacetylenes) containing monosaccharide side groups

Two optically active poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives bearing D-glucose and D-galactose appendages are synthesized by Rh complexes. The two polymers are chiral, showing high [α]_D²⁰ and molar ellipticity (more than 10⁴) in the π→π* region in the CD spectra. Solvent dependence of [α]_D²⁰ and molar ellipticity further suggest that a chiral helical conformation is adopted by the two polymers.