PHOTOPHYSICAL AND PHOTOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF ((N,N-DIMETHYLAMINO)METHYL)STYRENES

The photophysics and photochemistry of three different ((N,N-dimethylamino)methyl)styrenes, in which the methylene bridge is attached to different positions of the styrene moiety, have been investigated. Monomer fluorescence decay times are shorter than the experimental time resolution (approximately 30 ps). Exciplex properties, e.g. fluorescence yields, are strongly dependent on the substitution pattern. In contrast with intermolecular exciplexes between corresponding methylstyrenes and triethylamine, the exciplex decay time increase with increasing solvent polarity. In addition to the intramolecular photophysical relaxation pathways, photochemical decomposition of the compounds was observed; a major product is the corresponding methylstyrene.