RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ASYMMETRIC CATALYSIS USING SYNTHETIC-POLYMERS WITH MAIN-CHAIN CHIRALITY

Some recent developments in the use of main chain chiral polymer catal ysts are summarized. These polymers are different from the traditional polymer catalysts that are prepared by anchoring monomeric chiral cat alysts to an achiral polymer backbone. Three classes of synthetic main chain chiral polymers are discussed including: (1) helical polymers r epresented by polypeptides; (2) polymers with flexible chiral chains s uch as polyesters and polyamides; and (3) polymers of rigid and steric ally regular chiral chains represented by chiral conjugated polybinaph thyls. Some of these polymer catalysts have shown high enantioselectiv ity in asymmetric organic transformations. (C) 1998 Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.