Polymer architecture has a significant effect on their physical properties, which directly impacts their current and future applications. Commonly, linear and cyclic polymers are compared and demonstrate unique characteristics. Linear polymers exhibit larger diameters than cyclic polymers because of the free ends of the chain compared to cyclic polymers that have a limited ability to expand. This architectural difference explains why linear polymers can reptate to a greater extent when compared to their cyclic analogues. Many others have compared different polymer architectures and examined their varying physical properties. More recently, bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid (bis-MPA) linear polymers have been studied against their dendritic analogues because of differences in dispersity, rigidity, and degree/location of functionalized end groups. One aspect of these systems explored in this investigation is the size and architecture based on similar molecular weights, but varying degrees of branching. On one hand, dendrimers are known for their perfectly symmetric, monodisperse structures with a large number of active end groups. Whereas, linear polymers based on the same repeat unit are polydisperse and have the approximate number of functional groups, but these groups are located on the linear backbone as opposed to exclusively on the periphery. Linear polymers and dendrimers are seen as two opposite ends of a spectrum; hyperbranched polymers are a way to bridge the gap in between physical properties. Hyperbranched polymers can be more globular like dendrimers or more expanded like linear polymers and every stage between the two extremes. With varying degrees of branching at the same molecular weight, hyperbranched polymers generally exhibit properties between those of linear polymers and those of dendrimers. Optimization of reaction conditions for hyperbranched polymers can lead to modular control over specific physical properties that can be tailored for a 3D-printing, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS), Electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry (ESI-IMS-MS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (<sup>1</sup>H NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) have been used to determine the molecular weight, collisional cross-section, degree of branching, and dispersity of the samples.<br/>

Comparison of linear and dendritic bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid polymers to understand and control the physical properties of their hyperbranched analogues

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.