Title : Design and synthesis of poly(thioether) dendrimers
Abstract:
Polythioether dendrimers constitute a versatile class of three-dimensional macromolecules that combine the structural precision of dendritic architectures with the chemical functionality of sulfur-containing linkages. In this presentation, we will describe an efficient and modular synthetic strategy for the preparation of polythioether dendrimers through the synergistic use of esterification and thiol-ene “click” reactions. The approach relies on iterative growth cycles in which multifunctional cores units bearing hydroxyl groups are first elaborated via esterification to introduce alkene functionalities. Subsequent thiol-ene coupling with thiol-containing building blocks proceeds under mild conditions to afford thioether linkages with high efficiency.
The orthogonality and robustness of these two transformations enable precise control over dendrimer generation, size, and surface functionality. Esterification provides a reliable means to construct the dendritic scaffold, while thiol-ene chemistry offers a highly selective and tolerant route to install thioether bonds without the need for protecting groups. The stepwise repetition of these reactions allows for the rapid buildup of higher-generation dendrimers with low defect densities and narrow dispersities. Furthermore, the modular nature of the synthesis permits the incorporation of a wide range of functional groups at the periphery or within the dendritic interior, facilitating the tuning of physicochemical properties such as solubility and chemical reactivity.
