Globular polyethers with `internal' functionalization by metalation of dendrimers and reaction with electrophiles

This report concerns a new method for the introduction of functional groups into internal sites of performed dendritic polyethers. This approach coupled to our recent work. On the chain-end functionalization of dendritic macromolecules provides access to a broad spectrun of highly novel globular molecules with functionalization within the globules themselves or at theri peripheries. The metalation of polyether dendrimers followed by reaction with electrophiles provides access to multi-functionalized dendrimers. These products may exhibit new properties such as enhanced or segmented hydrophilic or hydrophobic behavior. Due to the high reactivity of the organopotassium intermediate, the choice of suitable electrophiles is broad and a variety of new products is accessible. We have demonstrated the attachment of long alkyl chains, silicon groups, deuterium, and carboxylic acid groups to sites throughout the dendritic structure.