Photolabile surfactants based on the diazosulphonate group 2. 4-(Acyloxy)benzenediazosulphonates and 4-(acylamino)benzenediazosulphonates

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of photolabile surfactants, based on the light-sensitive diazosulphonate group, are described. The hydrophobic alkyl chain of these surfactants is connected by ester or amide bonding to the phenyldiazosulphonate moiety. The type of bonding has an influence on the Krafft temperatures, thermolability and photolability of the diazosulphonate surfactants. Photolysis proceeds via the corresponding diazonium salt by elimination of a sulphite ion from the diazosulphonate group. Thermolysis experiments were carried out in water (observed by UV spectroscopy) and in the solid phase (monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)).