Polyester and Ester Functionalized Dendrimers

Abstract

Demand for smart and functional materials has raised the importance ofthe research of dendritic (Greek = tree-like) molecules in organic andpolymer chemistry due to their novel physical and mechanical properties.The properties of linear polymers as well as small discrete moleculesare combined in this new architectural class of macromolecules, that canbe divided into two families: dendrimers and hyperbranchedmacromolecules, that differ in their branching sequences. Dendrimerscontain symmetrically arranged branches emanating from a core moleculetogether with a well-defined number of end groups corresponding to eachgeneration. This results in an almost monodisperse three-dimensionalglobular shape providing internal niches capable of encapsulation ofguest molecules or molecular recognition. Hyperbranched macromolecules,synthesized in one-step reactions, are randomly branched and containmore defects, i.e. linear and terminal segments, being less homogenicthan dendrimers. High chemical reactivity, low viscosity, highsolubility and miscibility offer unique tools to modify and tailorproperties in particular fields, such as adhesives and coatings,agrochemistry, catalysts, chemical and biosensors, cosmetics, inks andtoners,lubricants, magnetic resonance imaging agents, membranes, micelleand virus mimicking, molecular recognition, nano devices,pharmaceuticals, self-organizing assemblies, thermoplastics andthermosets, and viscosity modifiers.A short introduction to the first dendritic molecules is accompanied byan illustrated review of dendrimers with polyester functions. Inaddition future aspects and developments are briefly discussed.