Three-dimensional dendritic macromolecules: design, synthesis, and properties

The ability to manipulate and control the structure of molecules in three dimensions has long been the domain of nature. In a multitude of natural systems the accurate control of molecular size, shape and local microenvironments leads to specific molecules and supramolecular assemblies with vastly improved properties and performance when compared to man-made systems. Perhaps the best examples are collagens and enzymes, both of which represent three-dimensional polymers the synthesis of which is controlled to give a molecular architecture with a specific and highly efficient function. In an attempt not only to mimic, but also to build upon the foundations laid by nature, an explosion of activity in the area of three-dimensional molecules and supramolecular chemistry has recently occurred. Synthetic three-dimensional molecules and macromolecules are now being developed which will act as building blocks for molecular devices and other nanotechnologies.1 These building blocks undergo self assembly into supramolecular systems capable of performing similar functions to natural systems such as enzymes,2 or will have improved and/or new properties when compared to traditional linear polymers.3,4