Thin film processing of nonlinear optical materials, 2. Comb‐like polymers containing nonlinear optical active pendant groups

The synthesis and characterization of new homopolymers and copolymers containing π‐extended (azomethine) active moieties separated by flexible methylene spacers are reported. All synthesized monomers and polymers show spectroscopic properties (nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet) in accordance with the proposed structures. The inherent solubility of the polymers in common organic solvents permits the determination of the molecular weight distribution from gel‐permeation chromatography. The thermal characteristics of the polymers are also described.