Synthesis and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film properties of functional α,ω-diamine amphiphilic materials

We have investigated the synthesis and ultrathin film forming properties of α,ω-diamine derivatives. The amphiphiles were synthesized as precursors to the formation of ionene polymers. Two materials were investigated: oligothiophene and azobenzene functional groups. These type of materials are of great interest for the preparation of ultrathin film layers with applications for photochemical regulation of liquid crystal (LC) orientation, optical storage media, and electroluminescent displays. Azobenzene and its derivatives are well known photochemical systems exhibiting the reversible cistrans photoisomerization. Conjugated oligothiophene derivatives, exhibit interesting optical and electronic properties for applications such as light emitting diodes (LED)s, Schottky diodes, and thin film field-effect transistors (TFT). The two amphiphiles behaved very differently as Langmuir monolayers and LB films. Dye aggregation was observed with the azobenzene derivatives compared with the oligothiophenes.