Spherical Hydrophilic Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization,& Applications

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Based upon the application of mathematical progressions to organic synthesis, a series of multi-directional cascade polymers ("arborols") with specific size and shape are being constructed. These molecules have a defined topology with a polyfunctionalized surface over a totally, or nearly so, inaccessible core. The research will emphasize the synthesis and characterization of a variety of cascade polymers using different central core molecules,combinations(s) of building blocks (branching molecules), and diverse terminal groups. The surface will be modified by changing these terminal groups to ensure a side range of solubilites and physicochemical properties. These physical and chemical properties of this class of polymer will be characterized by a combination of 13 C NMR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, light-scattering, fluorescent-probe methods, solubility, osmotic pressure, conductivity, and mass spectroscopy. The shape of these specifically designed polymers will be studied in detail to determine the parameters that cause their aggregation into micellar assemblies. The covalent linking of these unimolecular micelles into supramolecular cascades ("superaborols") will give rise to the construcation of large micellar molecules possessing shapes analogous to the parent arborol, but macroscipic in molecular dimensions. The use of these (supra)cascade polymers, as solubilizing agents, phase- transfer catalysis, resolving agents, and microencapsulation agents, will be continued.