Abstract: Formylstyrylpyridinium salt (SBQ) is a water-soluble fluorescent diarylethene derivative. In aqueous solution, it undergoes a[2+2] photodimerization reaction under 365 nm ultraviolet light irradiation, yielding non-fluorescent photodimers. Upon exposure to 254 nm short-wavelength ultraviolet light, these photodimers can undergo photolysis of the cyclobutene ring, regenerating SBQ monomers and restoring fluorescence, making them suitable for optical information storage. In acidic aqueous solution, SBQ monomers can be grafted onto the polyvinyl alcohol skeleton through acetalization reaction, synthesizing a water-soluble photosensitive polymer material. When mixed with polyvinyl acetate emulsion, it forms a one-component silk screen printing photosensitive emulsion. Students can utilize the synthesized product to print patterns on paper and experimental clothing, as well as to fabricate printed circuit boards and explore additional applications. All synthetic reactions in this experiment are conducted in aqueous solution, offering safety, environmental friendliness, and adherence to green chemistry principles.

Key words: Water-soluble photopolymers, Photodimerization, Optical information storage, Silk screen printing, Printed circuit boards