(R)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene is an optically active alkyl-α-olefin. Its copolymerization with styrene, 1-vinylnaphthalene or 2-methylstyrene by Ziegler-Natta catalysts has been reported. Preparation of copolymers of racemic and optically active 3,7-dimethyl-1-octene with ethylene in the presence of Ziegler-Natta isospecific catalysts have been studied. Polymerization of (R,S)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene in the presence of heterogeneous or homogeneous isotactic specific catalysts involves highly stereospecific insertion of (R,S)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene into the metal-CH3 bond.