HELICAL POLY(ISOCYANIDES)

Poly(isocyanides) are synthesized from isocyanides by the catalytic action of e.g. nickel complexes. The polymers are poly-Schiff bases and have a helical backbone. The polymerization proceeds via a series of consecutive insertions at the metal centre. In this way racemic mixtures of right- and left-handed helices are formed. Helix-sense selective polymerization can be achieved with optically active catalysts and by other procedures. Because of their well-defined structure, poly(isocyanides) have been used as building blocks to construct synthetic systems mimicking the action of enzymes and other biomacromolecules.