Synthesis and properties of vinylic copolymers with fluorescent moieties as optical brighteners for liquid crystals

The synthesis and characterization of new side-group copolymers of styrene or methylmethacrylate with fluorescent 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives are de scribed. Basic photophysical characteristics of produced low molar and poly meric fluorescent brighteners are reported. The utility of the brighteners in liquid crystalline displays of the guest-host type is discussed on the b asis of their spectral properties and their effect on the behavior of nemat ic liquid crystal ZLI 1840 (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) at phase transition. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.