Core-Shell-Structured Highly Branched Poly(ethylenimine amide)s : Synthesis and Structure

Abstract

The synthesis of amphiphilic macromolecules by amidation of hyperbranched polyethylenimine was studied. Amidation with palmitic acid or the methyl ester proceeds up to 84% degree of amidation (140 °C, vacuum). The primary amine end groups react preferentially. With carbonyldiimidazole (CDI)-activated acids nearly complete conversion of all primary amine end groups and secondary amine linear units can be achieved; with a corresponding limited amount of CDI the end groups can be amidated selectively. The products of these reactions are free of any unreacted carboxylic acid or other impurities (1H and 13C NMR) and can be optionally purified by pressure ultrafiltration washing with a toluene/ amine solution. Side-chain crystallization is observed (DSC), which can be supressed entirely employing branched alkyl moieties (2-hexyldecanoic acid as amidating agent). Solution structures were studied by SANS. In C6D6 radii of gyration of 2-5 nm (Guinier analysis) were observed for samples differing in PEI core molecular weight. These sizes and their observed independence of concentration in the range of 5-40 g L-1 indicate the presence of nonaggregated unimolecular inverted micelles.