Synthesis of New Poly (Malonic Ester) Containing Disperse Red 1 and its Applications to Optical Data Storage

Abstract New poly(malonic ester) with two symmetrical azobenzene groups was synthesized by the reaction of novel liquid crystalline malonic ester monomer with disperse red 1 with 1,6-dibromohexane. The resulting polymer was found to be excellent as reversible optical information recording media for data storage and retrieval through a trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene units by Ar laser irradiation and thermal process.