Poly(isocyanidcs), ( R N = C < ) n, can be prepared from isocyanidcs, R N += C " , by the catalytic action of nickel(II) compounds. The main chain of these polymers is a rigid helix. This helical conformation results from a restricted rotation around the single bonds that connect the main-chain carbon atoms. Polymerization of achiral isocyanides generally gives a racemic mixture of leftand righ...