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Dendronization of a hyperbranched polyester with different generation dendrons leads to pseudo-dendritic structures. The hyperbranched core is modified by the divergent coupling of protected monomer units to the functional groups. Compared to dendrimers, the synthetic effort is significantly less, but the properties are very close to those of high-generation dendrimers. The number of functional groups, molar mass, and rheology behavior even in the early generation (G1-G4) pseudo-dendrimers strongly resembles the behavior of dendrimers in higher generations (G5-G8). Comparison of the segmental and internal structure with perfect dendrimers is performed using SANS, dynamic light scattering and viscosity analysis, microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The interpretation of the results reveals unique structural characteristics arising from lower segmental density of the core, which turns into a soft nano-sphere with a smooth surface even in the first generation.

We report bulk and surface properties of maleimide copolymers with two different backbones, poly(propene-alt-N-(n-alkyl)maleimides) (PAlkMI) and poly(styrene-alt-N-(n-alkyl) maleimides) (SAlkMI), with different lengths of n-alkyl side chains (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl). The contact angle and solid surface tension results suggest that, for the longer side chains, the surface properties are dominated by the side chains. Indeed, the surface tension of the two types of copolymers with length of the side chain above C ) 6 are essentially equal, indicating complete shielding of the polar backbone chain. For the two copolymers containing dodecyl side chains, the solid surface tension is similar to that of solid surfaces consisting exclusively of CH 3 groups. Apparently, these side groups are long enough to allow arrangement in the configuration of the lowest surface free energy possible for alkyl chains. For the short side chain copolymers the styrene compounds are more hydrophobic than the propene compounds. The bulkier phenyl rings shields the polar backbone chain more effectively than the small alkyl groups.

Metal complexes of salicylideneamines exhibit very interesting properties and have been well characterized since the late 1920s. Amphiphilic salicylideneamines have been synthesized in order to introduce such complexes in Langmuir−Blodgett multilayers. They do not hydrolyze under the applied experimental conditions and form stable monolayers. On subphases containing transition metal ions, these compounds form square-planar metal complexes by an interfacial reaction. Monolayers of these complexes have been transferred onto solid substrates to prepare Langmuir−Blodgett multilayers. Spectroscopic measurements with polarized light indicate an orientation of the complex plane nearly parallel to the substrate surface. In addition, monolayer experiments with presynthesized amphiphilic metal complexes have been carried out. Available hydroxyl groups in such complexes may be exploited to construct aggregates due to the ability of the molecules to form intermolecular bonds. Monolayers of these aggregates have also been used for the preparation of multilayers.

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Silver salts are dissolved in poly(butyl methacrylate) to derive polymer electrolytes via coordinative interaction between the silver ion and the carbonyl oxygen atom. The dissolved silver ions react subsequently with propylene to form reversible silver/olefin complexes that can be utilized as olefin carriers for facilitated olefin transport. The complexation behavior and its effects on propylene transport were investigated by means of Raman and FT‐IR spectroscopy, as well as dielectric thermal analysis.

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Glycopolymers are promising materials in the field of biomedical applications and in the fabrication of supramolecular structures with specific functions. For tunable design of supramolecular structures, glycopolymer architectures with specific properties (e.g., controlled self-assembly) are needed. Using the concept of dendronized polymers, a series of H-bond active giant glycomacromolecules with maleimide backbone and lysine dendrons of different generations were synthesized. They possess different macromolecular size and functionality along the backbone. Their peripheral maltose units lead to solubility under physiological conditions and controlled aggregation behavior. The aggregation behavior was investigated depending on generation number, pH value, and concentration. A portfolio of complementary analytical tools give an insight into the influence of the different parameters in shaping a rod-, coil-, and worm-like molecular structure and their controlled aggregate formation. MD simulation helped us to understand the complex aggregation behavior of the linear polymer chain without dendritic units.