(9-Oxo-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-phenyl-iodonium hexafluoroantimonate(V) – a photoinitiator for the cationic polymerisation of epoxides

Preparation and properties of (9-oxo-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-phenyl-iodonium hexafluoroantimonate(V) as a new photoinitiator for the cationic polymerisation of epoxides are shown. Sensitivity of the cation as well as the anion against moisture is examined by XPS and IR spectroscopy. Photolysis of the initiator occurs in the way that the iodine–carbon bond is cleaved between the 9-fluorenone substituent and the iodine. Polymerisation of epoxides with a mercury high pressure lamp occurs quicker compared to a conventional iodonium salt even if this initiator is used together with photosensitisers. The new photoinitiator has the advantage of intramolecular photosensitisation.