Homo- and co-polymerizations of a chiral N-propargylamide (M1 containing 2,2-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,3-dioxolane group) and an achiral N-propargylamide (M2 containing adamantane group) were carried out in the presence of (nbd)Rh(+)B(-)(C(6)H(5))(4). All the (co)polymers synthesized were obtained in a yield >= 80%. Poly(1) assumed helices of a predominant handedness and exhibited an optical activity, while poly(2) formed helices of an equal amount of right- and left-handed screws and showed no optical activity. The maximum wavelength and CD signal intensity of the copolymers with varied M1/M2 ratios demonstrated considerable composition dependence. This observation was explained by the synergic effects between the pendent groups during the formation of helical structures. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.