Thioxanthone based 9-[2-(methyl-phenyl-amino)-acetyl]-thia-naphthacene-12-one as a visible photoinitiator

► Synthesis and photophysical properties of a visible photoinitiator (TX-MPA) are proposed. ► TX-MPA has high molar absorption values in the visible region. ► TX-MPA can initiate photopolymerization of methylmethacrylate monomer under UV and sunlight. ► Inter or intramolecular hydrogen abstraction mechanisms occur depending on initiator concentration.