5‐(Methacryloylamino)‐fluorescein (5‐MAF), a water‐soluble fluorescence monomer, was synthesized in high yield via a new synthetic approach. Fluorescent polymers containing 5‐MAF as fluorophore were synthesized by copolymerization with other hydrophilic monomers. The fluorescence behavior of these polymers were recorded which revealed interesting effects in diverse conditions. Hydrophobic fluorescent polymers with 5‐MAF again as the fluorophore was also prepared via complexation with methylated β‐cyclodextrin (Me‐β CD). N‐(tert‐butyl)acrylamide, a insoluble monomer, was complexed with Me‐β CD in varying stoichiometries in water and copolymerized with 5‐MAF at 0°C to obtain polymers with strong fluorescence ability.
Acknowledgements
This work was financially supported by Degussa Construction Chemicals Germany.