Photochemistry of bichromophoric compounds: scope and expectations

Excitation of molecules containing more than one chromophore leads to intramolecular. interacti.ons such as excimer-, exciplex-and product formation. It is shown in this paper that these interactions can occur even if the chain connecting them contains several (more than three) units. Different factors affecting these interactions and the relation between the photophysical and photochemical aspects in these systems is stressed. If an intramolecular interaction is made impossible intermolecular reaction leads to high molecular weight products. The principles and the scope of this photopolymerization process is discussed.