Versatile design and synthesis of dendrimer-like star polymers

Abstract

Dendrimer-like star polymers is a novel class of macromolecules that are extremely versatile in their preparation and allows the synthesis of for example, radial block copolymers and `true isomers'. Dendrimer-like star polymers of different sizes based on caprolactone have been prepared and used to understand differences and similarities between dendrimers and star polymers. Moreover, six constitutional isomers of dendrimer-like star polymers based on caprolactone and 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) have been prepared. The prepared isomers have a target molecular weight of 79, 500, and theoretically contain 600 units of caprolactone, 45 units of bis-MPA, a core molecule and 48 protecting groups.