Preparation of chiral polymers: precise chirality transfer from natural species to achiral artificial polymers

Abstract

The synthesis of chiral substances, especially chiral polymers is currently one of the hottest issues in the field of chiral materials and chemistry due to their unique structural characteristics and potential applications. However, the acquisition of chiral polymers by chemical synthesis or asymmetric catalysis may often involve expensive chiral reagents and tedious synthesis routes. The types of chiral substances in nature are undoubtedly limited. Except for the design and synthesis of chiral compounds, utilizing external stimulus factors to induce chirality in achiral polymers is a promising approach. Inspired by nature, researchers tend to design rational interaction systems that attempt to precisely transfer chiral information from natural species to artificial polymers, which has been proven to be an excellent method to construct macro-molecular/supramolecular chirality in achiral polymer systems. In this review, an account of the typical development of chirality transfer from naturally occurring chiral substances, including chiral dopants, chiral solvents, and chiral polymers to achiral artificial polymers is summarized. Finally, we further briefly introduce the future scope, opportunities, and challenges of developing novel and functional chiral polymeric materials.

Keywords

• Chirality
• Chiral transfer
• Chiral polymers
• Supramolecular chirality