Synthesis and Function of Double‐Stranded Helical Polymers and Oligomers

Abstract

The design and synthesis of artificial helical polymers and oligomers has attracted much interest, in connection with fascinating biological helices and their sophisticated functions as well as possible applications in novel chiral materials. The last half-century has seen a significant advancement in the synthesis of single-stranded helical polymers and oligomers, since the discovery of the helical structure of isotactic polypropylene. In contrast, the chemistry of double-stranded helical counterparts is still premature. This paper highlights our recent achievements in the synthesis, structures, and functions of double-stranded helical polymers and oligomers, stressing an important role of supramolecular chemistry in the design and synthesis of double helices with a controlled helical sense.