Spontaneous Elliptical Polarization of Racemic Multilayer Polymers and Oligomers

Abstract It is well established that racemic molecules are optically inactive. In this study, we report the discovery of novel racemic multilayer polymers and oligomers generated through catalytic polymerization that exhibit the ability to asymmetrically rotate the plane of polarized circular light in the right‐handed direction when dissolved in THF‐H2O cosolvents. The specific rotation is influenced by the water ratios ( f w) in the cosolvents and the duration of UV–vis irradiation within the polarimeter. The aggregation of these polymers and oligomers was confirmed through aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), which manifests as they dissolve in THF‐H 2 O cosolvents, potentially accounting for this unusual optical behavior. This finding is expected to inspire new research directions in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and materials science and may provide alternative insights into the origins of life on Earth.