Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polyelectrolytes with Branched Azo Side Chains

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polyelectrolytes with Branched Azo Side Chains Abstract Two different synthetic routes were employed to synthesize two kinds of novel polyelectrolytes with branched azo side-chains, PEAPBnPA and PEAPBnP-AC (n=4, 6, 10). PAPBnPA was prepared through a free radical polymerization while PEAPBnP-AC was synthesized by post functionalization of a very reactive precursor poly(acryloyl chloride) with branched azo molecules EAPBnP. Different synthetic routes resulted in significant differences in molecular weight and chemical structure of the two azo polyelectrolytes. Photo-responsive behaviors of the polyelectrolytes in tetrahydrofuran, aqueous solution and the mixed solution of tetrahydrofuran and aqua were investigated and compared. Aggregation of azo chromophores of both two kinds of azo polyelectrolytes was detected from their influences on UV-Vis spectra and photoresponsive behaviors. It was approved that polyelectrolytes with branced azo side-chains were easily to form aggregates which would effect the photo-responsive behaviors of azo polyelectrolytes greatly. The novel azo polyelectrolytes in the mixed solution of water and THF could be fabricated linear increased slef-assembled multilayers with purchased poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) in aquous solution.