Formation of branched calixarene aggregates - A time-resolved static light scattering study

Mixtures of a calix[4]arene and a naphthyridine derivative dissolved in 1,2-dichlorobenzene form thermoreversible aggregates. The aggregation process was followed by means of time-resolved multiangle light scattering at two different mixing ratios, 1:3 and 1:4, yielding a detailed record of the relative mass, the radius of gyration, and the particle scattering function of the growing aggregates. On the basis of these data, a conclusive model of the structure is presented for the developing aggregates: monomers aggregate to wormlike filaments which form branching points. Formation of branching points proceeds in a frequency and distribution which is similar to the polycondensation of ABC monomers toward non-randomly branched macromolecules (Burchard, W. Macromolecules 1977, 10, 919-927). Thus, aggregation results in hyperbranched-like particles with striking analogies to the polymerization of glucose to amylopectin.