Photomobile polymers from commercially available compounds: photoinduced deformation of side-chain polymers containing hydrogen-bonded photoreactive compounds

Abstract

A photomobile polymer fiber containing anthracene carboxylic acid was prepared from a mixture of commercially available compounds and the photomechanical effects of the fiber were investigated. Upon exposure to UV light, the fiber bent toward the actinic light source owing to [4+4] photodimerization of the anthracene unit, which is similar to that for anthracene side-chain polymers. In addition, the photomechanical properties of the fiber were significantly enhanced by the introduction of liquid-crystalline (LC) properties through the addition of low molecular weight LC acids. Photomobile polymer fiber was prepared from a mixture of commercially available compounds. The fiber was bent toward the light source upon exposure to UV light. Addition of a low-molecular weight liquid-crystalline compound enhanced the photomechanical properties and photoreactivity.