Dendronized polymers-building a new bridge from molecules to nanoscopic objects

This review covers the synthesis, the molecular and supramolecular structure, and the applications of dendronized polymers, i.e. polymers with dendritic side chains. Dendronized polymers may be synthesized via three conceptually different strategies: the graft-to, the graft-from and the macromonomer approach. Various polymerization methods have been applied, including step growth, chain growth, and living chain growth procedures. Dense attachment of high generation dendrons to the backbone leads to shape-persistent, cylindrically shaped molecular objects with a length of up to several hundred nanometers, a densely packed surface, and a defined interior. Dendronized polymers are currently under intense investigation with respect to various applications, including the synthesis of hierarchically structured materials, catalysis, applications in the biosciences, such as ion channel mimics and DNA compactization, as well as optoelectronic applications.