Functional monomers and polymers. LXXXVI. Photochemical reactions on synthetic polymers with pendant thymine bases: Effect of solvents

Photodimerization of thymine bases present on the side chain of acryloyl and methacryloyl-type polymers was studied in dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide—ethylene glycol mixture. Quantum efficiencies for photodimerization and quenching with isoprene were influenced by the solvents. The self-association of thymine bases estimated from their ultraviolet (UV) spectra and intrinsic viscosity were related to the effect of solvent on the photodimerization.