Clickable 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid-derived AB2 monomers: Hyperbranched polyesters through the CuAAC cycloaddition (click) reaction

We present the synthesis and characterization of two aliphatic AB(2) monomers derived from the readily available 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid and containing one alkyne group and two azide functionalities. The distance between the polymerizable groups differs in the two monomers by the insertion of an additional carbon atom in the aliphatic structure that addresses the steric demand during polymerization. The synthetic procedure for the monomers is relatively simple and scalable, and the monomers are able to polymerize through the Copper(I)-catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC reaction). The polymerization affords hyperbranched polymers in good yields and molecular weights and moderate degrees of branching. Copyright (c) 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Automated summary

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of two aliphatic AB(2) monomers containing one alkyne group and two azide functionalities, with adjustable distance between polymerizable groups to meet steric demands during polymerization. The monomers polymerize through the Copper(I)-catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC reaction), yielding hyperbranched polymers with good yields, molecular weights, and moderate degrees of branching.