A novel helical poly(macromonomer) [poly(M-PS): absolute M-W = 82 800-252 000, determined by GPC/RALLS] with a polyacetylene main chain and polystyrene (PS) side chains was synthesized by the polymerization of acetylene-terminated M-PS [Mn = 2 000, M-w/M-n = 1.20, DPn = 18] with an Rh catalyst. M-PS was prepared by ATRP of styrene using the acetylene-containing initiator 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid (S)-1-methylpropargyl ester (1). In solutions, poly(M-PS) exhibited an intense CD signal at 345-355 nm, indicating that it possessed a predominantly one-handed helical conformation. Poly(M-PS) had a stable helical conformation irrespective of solvents and temperature. [GRAPHICS] ] PHICS] in situ reduction, a large number of metal-based functional materials can be prepared. PVP is alkaline, and thus capable of catalyzing the sol-gel process to generate an inorganic shell. Furthermore, pre-formed nanoparticles can also be absorbed by the shell through specific interactions. The PS core is not infiltrative during synthesis, and hollow rings can be derived after the polymer templates are removed. [GRAPHICS] b