Synthesis and photochemical transformations of an anthracene containing methacrylic copolymer

Summary : A new methacrylate monomer containing anthracene moiety connected with long flexible spacer was prepared and copolymerized with n-butyl methacrylate. It has been found that upon illumination in inert atmosphere photodimerization of the anthracene rings takes place to a considerable extend. The reverse decomposition of the photodimers by thermal treatment is also facilitated by the long flexible spacer. In ambient air the only photoreaction is endoperoxide formation. Received: 4 December 2000/Revised version: 21 May 2001/Accepted: 21 May 2001