Priscilla Brastianos - University of British Columbia

Placement: University of Ottawa
Supervisor: Dr. Tito Scaiano

Mechanistic Studies of Diaryl-a-Disulphones Using Laser Flash Photolysis

Photoacid generators (PAGs) are used by the microlithographic community in the preparation of photoresist materials. Photogenerated acid in chemically amplified photoresists serves to catalyze deblocking or crosslinking in the polymeric resist material thereby allowing for the development of a pattern in the resist. The study of possible reactions PAGs undergo upon photoexcitation is important for the purpose of gauging their potential for practical applications and determining their efficiency as acid generators. The goal of this project was to perform mechanistic studies using laser flash photolysis on a specific class of PAGs, diaryl-a-disulphones. These PAGs are particularly interesting because they can potentially decompose to yield acids as the only products. Additionally, the synthesis of a new class of PAGs, thiohydroxamic acid esters, was attempted.