Interfacial regions governing internal cavities of dendrimers. Studies of poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers constituted with linkers of varying alkyl chain length

This report deals with a study of the properties of internal cavities of dendritic macromolecules that are capable of encapsulating and mediating photoreactions of guest molecules. The internal cavity structures of dendrimers are determined by the interfacial regions between the aqueous exterior and hydrocarbon like interior constituted by the linkers that connect symmetrically sited branch points constituting the dendrimer and head groups that cap the dendrimers. Phloroglucinol-based poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers constituted with a homologous series of alkyl linkers were undertaken for the current study. Twelve dendrimers within first, second, and third generations, having ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, and n-pentyl groups as the linkers and hydroxyl groups at peripheries in each generation, were synthesized. Encapsulation of pyrene and coumarins by aqueous basic solutions of dendrimers were monitored by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, which showed that a lower generation dendrimer with an optimal alkyl linker presented better encapsulation abilities than a higher generation dendrimer. Norrish type I photoreaction of dibenzyl ketone was carried out within the above series of dendrimers to probe their abilities to hold guests and reactive intermediate radical pairs within themselves. The extent of cage effect from the series of third generation dendrimers was observed to be higher with dendrimers having an n-pentyl group as the linker.     

Synthesis and properties of dendrimers possessing the same fluorophore(s) located either peripherally or off-center

Two series of phosphorus dendrimers functionalized by maleimide derivatives are synthesized, as well as three new monomeric maleimide derivatives, of which two are characterized by X-ray diffraction. The first series of phosphorus dendrimers possesses maleimide derivatives as end groups (6-48, from generation 0 to generation 3). The second series of dendrimers possesses a single copy of the same maleimide derivative linked "off-center" to a cyclotriphosphazene core, leading to dissymmetrical dendrimers; this series is synthesized from generation 0 to generation 2. The fluorescence properties of both series of dendrimers and of monomers are studied, affording new information. First, the presence of labile hydrogen extinguishes the fluorescence. Second, the grafting of the fluorophore(s) directly to the core affords highly fluorescent compounds. Finally, an original influence of the branches possessing phosphorhydrazone linkages toward the fluorescence properties is shown.     

Physicochemical properties of quaternized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers with alkyl groups and of their mixtures with sodium dodecyl sulfate

The physicochemical properties of quaternized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (generation 4) with methyl or octyl groups and of their mixtures with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solutions have been investigated using several techniques including surface tension, fluorescence of pyrene, and dynamic light scattering. In the single systems of the dendrimers, the dendrimer with octyl groups shows lower surface tension and lower micropolarity than the dendrimer with methyl groups. The hydrodynamic radii of two quaternized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers are considerably large, indicating the formation of aggregates. In the mixed systems of quaternized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and SDS, the dendrimer with octyl groups-SDS mixed system shows very low surface tension and low micropolarity even in the presence of extremely low SDS concentration compared to those of the dendrimer with methyl groups-SDS mixed system. Maximum turbidity for both systems is observed at around the mixed molar ratio of dendrimer:SDS=1:1.5 where distinct changes have also been confirmed by surface tension, fluorescence of pyrene, and electrical conductivity measurements.     

Thioacylation reactions for the surface functionalization of phosphorus-containing dendrimers

The functionalization of phosphorus-containing dendrimers was easily achieved through thioacylation reactions involving new dendrimers capped with dithioester end groups and various functionalized amines. These reactions were successfully applied to the first generation (12 end groups) and the third generation of the dendrimer (48 end groups) and allowed their functionalization by various primary or secondary amines, alcohols, glycols, and azides. [reaction: see text]     

Synthesis and comparative characteristic of organophosphorus dendrimers with phenoxy and deuterophenoxy end groups

Two series of generation 0 to 6 phosphorus dendrimers (6 to 384 end groups) are synthesized starting from the cyclotriphosphazene core. The series are distinguished by the type of their terminal groups: O-C₆H₅ in first series and O-C₆D₅ in the other. These functions are chemically analogous, but they give different spectroscopic signatures which afford detailed information about the structure of these dendrimers.     

Surface, core, and structure modifications of phosphorus-containing dendrimers. Influence on the thermal stability

Three new series of phosphorus-containing dendrimers are described. Their solubility depends on the type of end groups they bear. Perfluoroalkyl chains give dendrimers soluble in chlorofluorocarbons, whereas guanidinium and pyridinium derivatives give water-soluble compounds. The thermal stability of these compounds, as well as of 19 other dendrimers of various generations, having various cores, or various end groups, or branching points is studied. The main feature of this study is that the internal structure of these dendrimers is thermally stable at least up to 376°C. The number of the generation has practically no influence, whereas the principal criterion influencing the thermal stability is the type of end groups. The water-soluble cationic dendrimers are the least stable, but even those are stable up to 225°C. For most of these dendrimers, an important percentage of mass (around 50%) is retained even at a temperature as high as 1000°C. In the best case, up to 70% of the initial mass is retained at 1000°C.     

Reduced number of steps for the synthesis of dense and highly functionalized dendrimers

A series of densely functionalized dendrimers is synthesized using two branched monomers of type AB₂ and CD₂, in which the A function (NH₂) reacts with D (CHO) and the B function (Cl) reacts with C (OH). The reaction has been carried out up to the fourth generation possessing 96 end groups and has been obtained in only four steps.     

荧光猝灭研究芳醚树枝形聚合物构象

本工作分别合成了外围修饰一个芘基团和核心修饰一个芘基团两个系列的芳醚树枝形聚合物Py-Gn-OH和Gn-CH₂-Py(n=1~4)。Py-Gn-OH和Gn-CH₂-Py的发光随代数增加而增强,荧光寿命增加。荧光猝灭实验结果表明,树枝形聚合物Py-Gn-OH和Gn-CH₂-Py的双分子猝灭速率常数均随代数增加而减小,表明树枝形聚合物发生了构象折叠,位于核心和外围的芘基团均被树枝形聚合物骨架包裹,随代数增加树枝形聚合物骨架增大,对芘基团包裹作用增强,导致猝灭剂接近芘基团的位阻增大。Gn-CH₂-Py体系的双分子猝灭速率常数均比相应代数Py-Gn-OH体系略小,说明树枝形聚合物骨架对连接在核心的芘基团的包裹程度比对连接在外围的芘基团略强。本工作为新型功能芳醚树枝形聚合物设计和应用提供了参考。     

A new way for the internal functionalization of dendrimers

The selective reaction of amines and hydrazides with only one Cl on each P(S)Cl₂ or P(O)Cl₂ end group of phosphorus dendrimers, followed by the grafting of hydroxybenzaldehyde on the remaining P-Cl functions, and the subsequent growing of the dendrimer from the aldehyde is described. Allyl and pyrene derivatives have been grafted in this way inside the dendrimers during their growing. This constitutes a new way for the internal functionalization of dendrimers.     

Polyethylene glycol-polyamidoamine dendritic micelle as solubility enhancer and the effect of the length of polyethylene glycol arms on the solubility of pyrene in water

Unimolecular dendritic micelles designed as solubility enhancers were obtained by coupling polyethylene glycol (PEG) to Starburst polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Micelles-750, -2000, and -5000 have a generation 3.0 dendrimer core (32 primary amine end groups) and PEG arms with molecular weights of 750, 2000, and 5000, respectively. The conjugate of dendrimer core and PEG was characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and 1H NMR. 1H NMR was also used to estimate the average number of PEG arms on each dendrimer molecule. A typical hydrophobic compound, pyrene, was sonicated in an excess amount together with micelles at 50 degrees C for 6 h to produce its saturated water solution. The change of the solubility of pyrene was monitored at 334 nm, its maximum adsorption wavelength, by UV-VIS spectra. Concentrated micelles tended to dissolve more pyrene. However, there is no obvious linear relationship between micelle type and the amount of pyrene entrapped within micelles. Micelle-2000 could solubilize more pyrene than micelle-750. It is hypothesized that micelle-5000 did not solubilize more pyrene than micelle-2000 because of the PEG shell disruption by adjacent interpenetration of individual micelles when PEG arm length increased.     

New cyclen-cored dendrimers functionalized with pyrene: Synthesis characterization,optical and photophysical properties

New cyclen (1,4,7,10-teraazacyclododecane) cored dendrimers up to the second generation, functionalized with 4, 8 and 16 pyrene units, respectively, were synthesized following a convergent procedure. All new compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopies and ESI or MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The optical and photophysical properties of the new dendrimers were studied in THF solution. Absorption spectra showed the typical absorption bands of pyrene moieties. In the fluorescence spectra, monomer as well as excimer emission were observed for all compounds. An increased proportion of excimer emission was observed in the dendrimer of the highest generation.     

A structural study of carbosilane dendrimers versus polyamidoamine

Several types of substituted carbosilane-based dendrimers are studied in comparison with polyamidoamine (PAMAM), using molecular mechanics approach, to evaluate the shape and steric interactions when the generation number (G) increases. A scaled van der Waals energy parameter: the scaled steric energy, is defined, and used, to compare the steric repulsion in these dendrimers. Our calculations indicate that the steric repulsions, between the end groups at the surface of dendrimers, do not increase for higher generations of such macromolecules. Density calculations show that this property decreases with the increase of G. The moment of inertia calculations show that the shape of the considered dendrimers is asymmetrical for lower generations and becomes spherical at higher generations. The shape of the carbosilane dendrimers is more spherical than PAMAM. The results show that higher generations can afford the increased number of terminal groups at the surface of the macromolecules, without increase of the density in this region, therefor these factors (steric repulsion between the end groups at the surface, or high density) would not impede the chemistry to build higher generations of completely branched dendrimers.     

Dendrimers as photochemical reaction media. Photochemical behavior of unimolecular and bimolecular reactions in water-soluble dendrimers

Synthesis and studies of poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers, possessing carboxylic acid functionalities at their peripheries, are reported. 5-Bromopentyloxy methylisophthalate was utilized as the monomer to O-alkylate the phenolic hydroxyl groups of poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers. Dendrimers of first, second, and third generations, possessing 6, 12, and 24 carboxylic acids, respectively, were thus prepared. These dendrimers were soluble in alkaline aqueous solutions, and the ensuing microenvironmental properties of the aqueous solutions were assessed by pyrene solubilization studies. Upon establishing the presence of nonpolar microenvironments within the dendritic structures, solubilizations of few organic substrates were conducted and their photochemical behaviors were assessed. Specifically, the photolysis of 1-phenyl-3-p-tolyl-propan-2-one and benzoin ethyl ether and photodimerization of acenaphthylene were conducted. These studies revealed that the product distribution and the "cage effect" were more distinct and efficient for the third generation dendrimer, than for the first and second generation dendrimers. The photochemical studies of carboxylic acid functionalized dendrimers were compared to that of hydroxyl group terminated poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers.     

Syntheses,characterization, optical properties,and charge‐transfer complexation study of fluorescent poly(aryl‐ether‐urea) dendrimers

An inexpensive and highly efficient synthesis of first example of fluorescent aromatic dendrimers having alternative ether and urea linkages without the need for protection and deprotection steps has been developed. Dendrons and dendrimers up to third generation, with amine end‐groups, were prepared by convergent growth approach in high yield. A repetitive synthetic sequence of nucleophilic addition reaction between amine and regenerated isocyanate and reduction of nitro groups into amine are adopted for the synthesis of these dendrimers. The peripheries of the dendrimers contained 6, 12, and 24 amino groups, for the first, second, and third generation, respectively. Materials were characterized by FTIR, NMR, and MALDI‐TOF MS spectrometry. These dendrimers were soluble in amide solvents, THF and acetone and displayed fluorescence maxima in the 440–500 nm range with relatively narrow peak widths indicating that they had pure and intense fluorescence. These dendrimers form charge‐transfer (CT) complexes with electron acceptor molecules such as 7,7,8,8,‐tetracyano‐quino‐dimethane and 1,1,2,2 tetracyanoethane as evidenced by UV‐visible absorption spectra. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 713–724, 2008     

Voltammetric behavior of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers containing nitroxyl radical end groups

A series of fully functionalized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers with 4-carboxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxyl end groups were prepared. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that the pendant nitroxyl radical end groups are non-interacting electrochemically equivalent redox centers, which are oxidizable at the same potential. The results of controlled-potential electrolysis of the dendrimers showed that all the nitroxyl radical groups at the periphery of the dendrimers are accessible to the electrode surface for electron transfer.     

Pentaerythritol-based Carbosilane Dendrimers

A series of novel pentaerythritol-based carbosilane dendrimers have been synthesized. Using pentaerythritol-based tetraallyl ether as core molecule, the dendrimers have been prepared up to the third generation with I08 allyl groups on the periphery by alternate allylation-hydrosilylation approach.     

Molecular characteristics of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as studied with translational diffusion and viscometry

 The generation of dendrimers based on poly(propylene imine) with CN end groups [DAB–dend–(CN) _x ] and with palmitoyl end groups [DAB–dend–(C15) _x ] was studied by methods of translational diffusion and viscometry. The volumes of the DAB–dend–(CN) _x and DAB–dend–(C15) _x dendrimers and the previously studied DAB–dend–(lacto) _x dendrimer were compared to evaluate the volumes of the end groups in hybrid dendrimers. The volume of the hybrid dendrimers compared to that of the initial dendrimers increases proportionally to the number of end groups: this means that the end groups are predominantly located on the periphery of each molecule, thus ensuring this volume will increase. It is shown that the volume of the end groups for DAB–dend–(C15) _x is 3.5 times greater, and for DAB–dend–(lacto) _x it is 5.0 times greater than that occupied by free mole- cules corresponding to the end groups. The values of the intrinsic viscosity were compared with the values of the diffusion coefficient and the chemical formula molecular weight. Received: 7 August 2001 Accepted: 2 November 2001     

"Lego" chemistry for the straightforward synthesis of dendrimers

A new straightforward method of synthesis of dendrimers, using two branched monomers (CA(2) and DB(2)), is described. Each generation is obtained in a single quantitative step, with only N(2) or H(2)O as byproducts; generation 4 is obtained in only four steps. The end groups are alternatively phosphines and hydrazines; their versatile reactivity is illustrated by the reaction of generation 4 with a branched CD(5) monomer, which increases the number of end groups in a single step from 48 to 250.     

Core, shell, and surface-optimized dendrimers for blue light-emitting diodes

We present a novel core-shell-surface multifunctional structure for dendrimers using a blue fluorescent pyrene core with triphenylene dendrons and triphenylamine surface groups. We find efficient excitation energy transfer from the triphenylene shell to the pyrene core, substantially enhancing the quantum yield in solution and the solid state (4-fold) compared to dendrimers without a core emitter, while TPA groups facilitate the hole capturing and injection ability in the device applications. With a luminance of up to 1400 cd/m(2), a saturated blue emission CIE(xy) = (0.15, 0.17) and high operational stability, these dendrimers belong to the best reported fluorescence-based blue-emitting organic molecules.     

Form fluctuations of carbosilane dendrimers in dilute solution: a study using neutron spin echo spectroscopy

A series of carbosilane dendrimers with perfluorinated end groups has been prepared. The structure of these molecules in dilute solution is studied using small angle neutron scattering. For generations g<3 we find a non-spherical shape of the particles and a tendency for aggregation. This result is supported by the analysis of the diffusion coefficient obtained from photon correlation spectroscopy. The overall shape of the molecules is that of a core-shell particle. The generation 4 molecule is obtained as a compact sphere. Neutron spin echo spectroscopy reveals a relaxation time which is attributed to the form fluctuations of this particle.