Synthesis of well-controlled helical polyacetylene films using chiral nematic liquid crystals

Abstract Helical polyacetylene recently developed is anticipated to show novel electromagnetic and optical properties. We have synthesized for the first time helical polyacetylene films with left- and right-handed screw structures under chiral nematic reaction field. We discuss the influence of the chiral nematic reaction field on film properties, morphology, crystal structure, electrical conductivity, and optical activity. The films are characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, the four-probe method and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.