Synthesis and characterization of some new photochromic side-chain liquid-crystalline polymers

The synthesis and characterization of a series of liquid-crystalline copolymethacrylates containing side chains with both azobenzene and benzanilide moieties is described. The phase behaviour of the polymers is discussed in dependence of their copolymer composition. The copolymers are suitable for optical investigations on the photochemical trans-cis isomerization of the azo group.