Synthesis and spectral,thermal, and photocrosslinking studies of poly(benzylidene phosphoramide ester)s

A new class of poly(benzylidene phosphoramide ester)s containing a photoreactive benzylidene chromophore in the main chain were synthesized from bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzylidene) acetone with various substituted N-aryl phosphoramidic dichlorides by an interfacial polycondensation technique. The synthesized polymers were characterized by inherent viscosity, IR, and ¹H-, ¹³C-, and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights of these polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. These polymers were studied for their thermal stability and photochemical properties. Thermal properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that halogen-containing polymers show a higher thermal stability than that of nonhalogenated polymers. The photocrosslinking property of these polymers was studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The photoreactive benzylidene chromophore in the main chain dimerizes via 2π + 2π cycloaddition reaction to form a cyclobutane derivative and leads to crosslinking. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 2151–2157, 1997