Synthesis and polymerization of first-generation dendritic methacrylate macromonomers

First-generation dendritic macromonomers with a methacryloyl end group on one side, long alkyl chains on the other side, and a biuret system with two urethane groups in the core have been synthesized. The synthesis comprises three steps with hexamethylene diisocyanate uretdione as the starting material. The branching points were introduced via biuret groups and the prepared macromonomers were polymerized by free and controlled radical polymerization. Depending on the reaction conditions linear dendronized polymers as well as branched dendronized polymers and microgels with long alkyl chains were obtained. Scanning force microscopy was used to visualize high molecular weight molecules spincoated on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.