<Abstract> Recent findings on the new functions of helical macromolecules such as polyacetylenes and poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s of which helical chirality is thermodynamically and reversibly controlled are reviewed. A major characteristics of chirality induction with those dymanic helical macromolecules lie in the accumulation of local free energy differences within the helical polymer backbone. This allows sharp switch of helical chirality even by subtle local ennergy difference, further leading to sergeants-and-soldiers effect and majority-rule effect of helical macromolecues. Described here are chirality-switchable polymer materals for use in chiral chromatographic separation, detection of hidden chirality, circularly polarized luminescence, selective reflection of circularly polarized light, and asymmetric catalysis. In addition to those functions of dynamic helical polymers, recent advances in the dynamic control of helical chirality by chiral additives through their non-bonding interactions with the polymer structures are discussed.
Keywords: Switch of Chirality / Asymmetric Amplification / Memory of Chirality / Chiral Catalyst / Chiral Detection / Circularly Polarized Light / Chiral Statinary Phase |