摘要 |
A convergent process for synthesizing dendritic polymers typically having an average of three or more generations of branching and a narrow polydispersity. Precursor segments with living ends are coupled via a coupling agent to form branched units, each unit having a single living end. Further reaction with the coupling agent results in formation of a dendritic structure. Reaction of the coupling agent is controlled, such as by slow addition to the reaction mixture over an extended time, to promote development of the dendritic structure. The coupling agent typically has at least two functional groups capable of reacting with the living ends in the reaction mixture. One of the groups is capable of reacting with a living end in an addition reaction such as a vinyl addition, ring opening, or group transfer reaction. Optionally, a monomer can be added with the coupling agent to form longer branches. The structures may be terminated with a suitable functional group or with a linear polymer chain. One or more of the dendritic structures may be incorporated into a larger molecule.
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