(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 hexaf luoroantimonate(V) as a new photoinitiator for the cationic polymerisation of epoxides are shown. Sensitivity of the cation as well as the anion again st moisture is examined by XPS and IR spectroscopy. Photolysis of the initi ator 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 iodoni um salt even if this initiator is used together with photosensitisers. The new photoinitiator has the advantage of intramolecular photosensitisation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.