Synthesis, characterization and liquid crystal organization of a poly(amide amine) dendron having anthracene at the focal point

Abstract

As a class of new materials, dendrimers have, in recent years, generated a great deal of interest within the scientific community. In particular, there is an increasing focus on developing applications for photoresponsive dendrimers. Recently, we have described dechalcogenation reaction of dendrimer dichalcogenides upon irradiation and a new photoreactive anthracenyl dendron undergoes a reversible photocyclization to form a dendrimer.^<1,2> Interestingly, a poly(amide amine) dendron having anthracene at the focal point undergoes reversible photodimerization within it's liquid-crystalline state. Investigation of thermal behavior of the LC dendron by means of polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction experiments reveals smectic-type mesophase.