Two types of optically active N-[N’-(alpha-methylbenzyl)amino/carbonyl-n-alkyl] maleimides (MBAC) were synthesized from maleic anhydride, 6-amino-n-caproic acid (or 12-amino-n-dodecanoic acid), and (R)-(+)-alpha-methylbenzylamine. Radical homopolymerizations of MBAC were performed in several solvents at 60 and 110 degrees C for 24 h to give optically active polymers. Radical copolymerizations of MBAC were performed with styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in dioxane at 60 degrees C. The monomer reactivity ratios and the Alfrey-Price Q-e values were determined. Chiroptical properties of the polymers and copolymers were investigated.