Synthesis and photochemical transformations of an anthracene containing methacrylic copolymer

A new methacrylate monomer containing anthracene moiety connected with long flexible spacer was prepared and copolymerized with n-butyl methacrylate. It has been round that upon illumination in inert atmosphere photodimerizat ion of the anthracene rings takes place to a considerable extend. The rever se decomposition of the photodimers by thermal treatment is also facilitate d by the long flexible spacer. In ambient air the only photoreaction is end operoxide formation.