MOLECULAR AND ELECTRON-STRUCTURE OF NEW A SYMMETRICAL POLYSILANES

The behavior in solution of a copolymer, asymmetrical lohexyl-co-methy l(beta-trimethylsilyl)ethylsilane] is studied. The molecule of this co polymer is shown to behave as a rigid persistent chain with the Kuhn's segment of 30 angstrom. The electron diffraction patterns of the soli d polymer in the form of thin film revealed the hexagonal packing of c hains with possible spiral conformations thereof. Studies of the resis tance of polysilanes with varied composition (synthesized either in th e presence of 15-crown-5 or without it) to UV light showed that enhanc ed photosensitivity is due to the presence of segments with cyclohexyl substituents in the molecular chain. The photosensitivity of the copo lymers increases with the molecular mass.