STUDIES OF THE ANTENNA EFFECT IN POLYMER SYSTEMS .18. PHOTOCHEMICAL-REACTIONS OF STYRENE SOLUBILIZED IN AN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION OF POLY(SODIUM STYRENESULFONATE-CO-2-VINYLNAPHTHALENE)

Photochemical reactions of styrene solubilized in an aqueous solution of poly(sodium styrene-sulfonate-co-2-vinylnaphthalene) (PSSS-VN) were studied using monochromatic light at 280- and 313-nm wavelength and using solar-simulated radiation. In an oxygen-free atmosphere, photohydration of styrene was observed, and in the presence of oxygen, photosensitized oxidation of styrene occurs. The comparison of the photochemical processes occurring in an aqueous polymeric solution with those observed during direct irradiation of styrene in water as well as with those in photosensitized oxidation in low molecular weight model systems supports the mechanism of styrene oxidation involving participation of singlet oxygen. Styrene photooxidation was found to be much more efficient when styrene was solubilized in an aqueous solution of PSSS-VN than when styrene was dissolved in water. PSSS-VN displays considerably higher photosensitizing ability than the low molecular weight model compound, sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (NSA).