Convergent Synthesis of Geometrically Disassembling Dendrimers using Cu(I)-Catalyzed C-O Bond Formation

The convergent synthesis of geometrically degradable dendrimers based on the 2,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)phenol subunit is presented. The key step of the synthetic scheme involves the CuI/3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-catalyzed coupling of aryl iodides and alcohols. The synthesis and disassembly of these compounds is discussed.