Structure of Dendrimers in Dilute Solution

Abstract

The equilibrium structure of dendrimers in dilute solution is reviewed. It is shown that small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is suitable to determine the radial density distribution inside of the dendritic structure. For low generations (4,5) available data indicate a density distribution that has its maximum in the center of the molecule. Higher generations studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) exhibit a more and more compact conformation which is due to the increase back-folding of the peripheral groups. In general, SANS is shown to be a highly suitable tool for the investigation of dendrimers and related supramolecular structures in solution.