Photoreactions of a polyamic acid containing 2,2-dinitrodiphenylmethane segments at symmetrical positions in the main chain

A polyamic acid containing 2,2^′-dinitrodiphenylmethane segments in the main chain was synthesized from 4,4^′-diamino-2,2^′-dinitrodiphenylmethane and pyrromellitic dianhydride. Irradiation of the polyamic acid was done in solution (in a protic solvent, isopropanol, in isopropanol in the presence of a triplet exciter, benzophenone and in acidified isopropanol) and as thin film. The irradiations were done in an immersion type photoreactor using a 125 W high-pressure mercury vapour lamp. The average molecular weights of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The polydispersity index of the polyamic acid and the photoproduct showed the absence of photodegradation. The photoproducts were identified by comparing the spectra of polymer photoproducts with that of low molecular weight 2,2^′-dinitrodiphenylmethane derivatives under identical conditions. A possible mechanism for the phototransformations is suggested. Evaluation of photoresist behaviour of the polyamic acid was also done.