Copolymerization of acrylonitrile with some monomeric 1,8-naphthalimide fluorescent brighteners

The radical polymerization of acrylonitrile in the presence of two unsaturated fluorescent brighteners (4-methoxy-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives) in N,N-dimethyl formamide solution has been investigated. The effect of the brightners on the polymerization rate was established. It was found that the monomeric fluorescent brighteners took part in the polymerization. Their content in the polymer chain was 0.88-0.92%. No change in the chemical structure of the naphthalimide derivatives occurred during the polymerization. The introduction of fluorescent brighteners into the polymer chain results in polyacrylonitrile possessing fluorescent properties. The absorption and fluorescent properties of the monomeric fluorescent brighteners and copolymers in N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution are discussed.