Synthesis of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole monomers and studies of the surface photostabilization of the related copolymers

An improved three-step process for the synthesis of 2-(vinylhydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole derivatives is discussed. In addition, some studies of the surface photooxidation of styrene/ vinylbenzotriazole copolymers were carried out. The results indicate that the 2-(vinylhydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole derivatives, whether used as an additive or introduced into the polymer chain, unsuitable as a photostabilizer for the surface of polystyrene while the bulk of polystyrene is protected when very low concentrations of the derivatives are used.