Synthesis of light‐sensitive arenesulfonylazido polycarboxylic acids

Several light-sensitive arenesulfonylazido polycarboxylic acids were synthesized by a one-step reaction of a polymeric anhydride with a light-sensitive monofunctional alcohol, or by the reverse reaction, i.e., reaction of a polymeric alcohol with a light-sensitive monofunctional anhydride. The polycarboxylic acids are soluble in polar organic solvents and in aqueous base. Neutralization of part of the carboxyl groups gives rise to the formation of water-soluble polymers. Coreaction of poly(maleic anhydride-co-methyl vinyl ether) with 2-hydroxyethyl 4-sulfonylazidocarbanilate and 2-hydroxyethyl trans-2,5-dimethoxystilbene-4′-carbamate produces a light-sensitive polycarboxylic acid with “built-in” sensitizer.