Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Cyclopentadienones for use in Polyphenylene Dendrimer Synthesis

Abstract

Dendrimers are macromolecules that consist of a well-defined architecture. The ability to construct a dendrimer containing certain functional groups that can be placed in certain positions has resulted in dendrimers receiving a considerable amount of interest. Due to the increase of efficient, commercially viable methods to synthesise dendrimers over the past two decades, they are starting to emerge in commercial applications. Due to their rigidity and high thermal stability, polyphenylene dendrimers, a family of dendrimers largely consisting of benzene rings, are becoming increasingly popular. An array of functionality has been incorporated into their structure at various positions, leading to their application as light harvesting systems. However, there is a lack of publications concerning the synthesis of polyphenylene dendrimers containing naphthalene or heterocyclic groups, which have interesting properties. This dissertation reports the synthesis of various novel components and demonstrates the way that they could be used for the synthesis of polyphenylene dendrimers by model reactions.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2011
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	John Gardiner (Supervisor)