Synthesis of novel photosensitive polymers and copolymers containing cinnamic groups as pendant photoreactive functions

A general method to synthesize photocrosslinkable (co)polymethacrylates support ofpendant photosensitive cinnamate groups having the particularity to have a functionalgroup bonded on its α unsaturated carbon was developed. The cyano group was selectedas an example of functional group. Homopolymers of ethyl 2- cyano-3-(4-(methacrylate)-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate and copolymers of this last monomerwith methyl methacrylate were prepared in butanone solution at 65°C using AIBN as aninitiator. They were characterized by IR, ^1H-NMR, and ^13C-NMR. Compositions of thecopolymers were determined by ^1H-NMR spectroscopy. The photoreactivities of theobtained (co)polymers were examined in the solid state by irradiation of thin films.