Convergent Synthesis Strategy for Dendrimers

Convergent synthesis is commonly used in chemical synthesis (especially organic synthesis) to produce better high generation dendrimers. CD BioSciences has the advanced equipment and experienced scientists to provide you with convergent synthesis of dendrimers.

Overview of Convergent Synthesis

Convergent synthesis, also known as convergent growth synthesis, first reported by Hawker and Fre'chet in 1989-1990, is commonly used for the total synthesis of complex molecules in chemical synthesis (especially organic synthesis) and can increase the efficiency of synthesis. In contrast to the divergent synthesis method, initiates growth from what will eventually become the exterior of the molecule and progresses inward by coupling end groups to each branch of the monomer, i.e., different target molecules are synthesized separately and then combined to obtain the product.

The workflow of dendrimers convergent synthesis. (Grayson SM, et al., 2001)

Convergent Synthesis of Dendrimers

In the divergent synthesis process of dendrimers, the yield decreases significantly as the number of products generated increases and structural defects accumulate in the higher generation products, so although most commercial dendrimers are synthesized by divergent synthesis, convergent synthesis are often required to produce better, higher generation products. Unlike divergent synthesis, the convergent synthesis of dendrimers starts from the periphery and proceeds mainly through one-to-one coupling of monomers toward the core. This is shown by the fact that a twig is first formed by linking two groups of the periphery to a branching unit. Then two motifs of the twig are attached to the branching unit to form a higher generation of digit synapses. Following this coupling process, the size of the dendrimer's doubles with each coupling. The core of the dendrimers is formed at the end, and two or more dendrites are joined together at the core to form the target product.

Advantages of Convergent Synthesis

• Fewer side reactions: since divergent synthesis starts from the external monomers, the structure and external functional groups of the dendrimer can be better controlled, so the probability of side reactions can be reduced.
• Avoidance of structural defects: the number of reaction partners does not change with increasing number of couplings, so the synthesized products do not have structural defects.
• Low cost: less reaction materials and reagents are required during dendrimer divergence synthesis than in convergent synthesis, and the number of reaction sites is kept to a minimum, leading to higher reaction rates and yields and lower reaction costs.
• High purity: The purity of the synthesized dendrimers is high.

Disadvantages of Convergent Synthesis

• Loss of functional activity: Although the surface functional groups of dendrimers do not have to be repeatedly involved in linking other monomers or nuclei, the functional groups tend to lose their functional activity due to the time-consuming nature of the dispersion synthesis process.
• Spatially-site blocking effect: Due to the existence of spatial site blocking, it is difficult to synthesize dendritic macromolecules with a high generation.

Our Services

As a rapidly growing, leading global provider of scientific research services and solutions, CD BioSciences provides services for the convergent synthesis of dendrimer and guarantees that all deliverables are subjected to rigorous quality testing.

What We Provide

Service Process

CD BioSciences is committed to helping our customers meet the growing and evolving demand for dendrimer products. We ensure quality and reliability of results and on-time delivery. If you are interested in our services or have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us, we would be happy to hear from you and look forward to working with you.

Reference

1. Grayson SM, Fréchet JM. Convergent dendrons and dendrimers: from synthesis to applications. Chem Rev. 2001, 101:381938-68.