3-Ketoquinolones as new photoinitiators for free radical photopolymerization under LED

A new class of photoinitiators for free radical photopolymerization based on 3-ketoquinolone chromophoric group is presented. Spectroscopic properties, quantum yield in triplet state and efficiency in formation of initiating radicals were measured. Photopolymerization experiments show that 3-ketoquinolones are effective photoinitiators for LED curing. Additional properties such as yellowing of cured films are also measured. These compounds appear to be interesting alternative to conventional type II photoinitiators.