Visible Light-Responsive DASA-Polymer Conjugates

ACS Macro Lett. 2017 Jul 18;6(7):738-742. doi: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00350. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Abstract

A modular synthesis of Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adduct (DASA) polymer conjugates is described. Pentafluorophenyl-ester chemistry is employed to incorporate aromatic amines into acrylate and methacrylate copolymers, which are subsequently coupled with activated furans to generate polymers bearing a range of DASA units in a modular manner. The effect of polymer glass transition temperature on switching kinetics is studied, showing dramatic rate enhancements in going from a glassy to a rubbery matrix. Moreover, tuning the DASA absorption profile allows for selective switching, as demonstrated by ternary photopatterning, with potential applications in rewriteable data storage.