Photochemical Fragmentation of Irgacure PAG 103.

Photoisomerization of Irgacure PAG 103 followed by photocyclization and fragmentation leads to three tricyclic thieno[2,3-b]quinoline-4-carbonitrile heterocyclic compounds. The release of acid which can catalyze polymer resist modifications is indicated by the low pH of an aqueous extract. These reactions are discussed in view of possible mechanisms and how these might influence future design strategies.