LANGMUIR-BLODGETT-FILMS OF PHOTOCHROMIC POLYGLUTAMATES .2. SYNTHESIS AND SPREADING BEHAVIOR OF PHOTOCHROMIC POLYGLUTAMATES WITH ALKYLSPACERS AND ALKYLTAILS OF DIFFERENT LENGTH

Polyglutamates bearing azobenzene derivatives covalently bound to the main chain via spacers and equipped with alkyl tails of different length have been synthesized. In the polymers the chromophore can be isomerized to high extent by irradiation with UV-light. The polymers can be spread on a LANGMUIR trough. The spreading behaviour is different for irradiated and non irradiated samples, indicating a different arrangement depending on the content of cis-isomer. The films are less stable for longer spacers and smaller tails, caused by the better interaction of the azobenzene groups due to the greater mobility and minor hindrance.