Synthesis and characterization of polyisocyanides derived from alanine and glycine dipeptides

The synthesis and characterization of polymers derived from isocyanopeptides are described. Optically pure dipeptides based on alanine and glycine were equipped with an isocyano function and subsequently polymerized with a Ni(II) catalyst. Infrared and NMR spectroscopy indicated that the side chains of the polymers were connected by well-defined arrays of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The weight-average molecular weights of the polymers were determined by atomic force microscopy to be 200-400 kg/mol (polydispersity index = 1.4-1.7)