Abstract
Photocyclizable poly(cinnam-4'-yl methyl methacrylate) derivatives bearing methoxy benzene (PMCMMA), anthracene (PACMMA), and coumarin (PCCMMA) have been synthesized via Heck type reaction. Three different types of polymers are photoreactable usin g linearly polarized UV light and applicable as liquid crystal alignment layer. Anthracence and coumarin containing polymers (PACMMA, PCCMMA) have better thermal stability than PMCMMA. This observation may be attributed to the glass transition temperature elevation due to the bulky size and another photocrosslinking site provided by anthracene or coumarin group.