Unique Polymerization and New Smart Material of Eugenol-Based Helical Polymers

The series of eugenolbased helical polymers were synthesized. The polymerization of 14 with Rh catalyst gave the corresponding polyacetylene [poly (1) poly (4)] in different yield and a molecular weight ranging from 5, 000-11, 000. Splitting of methoxy (OCH3) group which is indicated of conformational isomerization cis-trans like amide group of eugenol part affected to polymerization yield and Mn. Polymerization monomer 1 and 2 is not easy, but polymerization of 3 and 4 gives high yield and Mn of the polymer. These polymers were soluble in common organic solvent and shown stable helical structure. Eugenol-based optically active helical polyacetylene catalysts as a new smart material have been synthesized. The new smart material was observed when measured in 1H NMR; proton NH moves when cursor move to the peak of NH. This is because of spontan crystallization and isomerization of methoxy group of crystal chiral of eugenol part. These properties make this catalyst as a new smart material.