Bifunctional metallodendrimers based on AB5 derivatives of cyclotriphosphazene as core and P,N ligands as terminal functions

Phosphorus dendrimers functionalised with nitrogen ligands, for catalysis and biology

Phosphorus dendrimers (dendrimers having one phosphorus atom at each branching point) possess versatile properties, depending on the type of their terminal functions.

Synthetic methodologies and spatial organization of metal chelate dendrimers and star and hyperbranched polymers

The synthetic methodologies, physico-chemical peculiarities, properties, and structure of metal chelate dendrimers and star and hyperbranched polymers are considered.

Cyclotriphosphazene, an old compound applied to the synthesis of smart dendrimers with tailored properties

The versatile reactivity of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (N3P3Cl6) has been developed for the synthesis of specifically engineered dendrimers. Dendrimers are hyperbranched macromolecules built by concentric layers constituted of associated monomeric units. Many of the properties of dendrimers depend on the type of their surface (terminal) functions, which are generally all identical. For some specific purposes, it is desirable to have one function that is different at the level of the core. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene offers the possibility to differentiate the reactivity of one (or more) Cl from the others, for producing specifically engineered dendritic tools. These specific reactions on N3P3Cl6 have produced highly dense dendrimers, Janus dendrimers (two faces), tools for functionalizing materials, with uses as catalysts, as chemical sensors, for trapping CO2, for the culture of cells, or for imaging biological events. These properties will be emphasized in this review.

Bifunctional Phosphorus Dendrimers and Their Properties

Dendrimers are hyperbranched and monodisperse macromolecules, generally considered as a special class of polymers, but synthesized step-by-step. Most dendrimers have a uniform structure, with a single type of terminal function. However, it is often desirable to have at least two different functional groups. This review will discuss the case of bifunctional phosphorus-containing dendrimers, and the consequences for their properties. Besides the terminal functions, dendritic structures may have also a function at the core, or linked off-center to the core, or at the core of dendrons (dendritic wedges). Association of two dendrons having different terminal functions leads to Janus dendrimers (two faces). The internal structure can also possess functional groups on one layer, or linked to one layer, or on several layers. Finally, there are several ways to have two types of terminal functions, besides the case of Janus dendrimers: either each terminal function bears two functions sequentially, or two different functions are linked to each terminal branching point. Examples of each type of structure will be given in this review, as well as practical uses of such sophisticated structures in the fields of fluorescence, catalysis, nanomaterials and biology.

Synthesis and catalytic applications of ruthenium(ii)–phosphino-oxime complexes

Ruthenium complexes containing a phosphino-oxime ligand have been synthesized, and their catalytic utility for the rearrangement of aldoximes, as well as for the α-alkylation/reduction of acetophenones with primary alcohols, demonstrated.

The specific functionalization of cyclotriphosphazene for the synthesis of smart dendrimers

Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene is an old compound which affords very new properties in the field of dendrimers. Indeed, it can be used as a branching point for the rapid synthesis of highly dense dendrimers, but also for the synthesis of dendrimers having precisely one function different from all the others. These types of dendrimers are useful in the field of materials, affording highly reusable catalysts, chemical sensors, or supports for cell cultures. However, the most developed uses concern fluorescence. These dendrimers have been used for in vivo imaging, and for trying to elucidate biological mechanisms, in particular for anti-inflammatory dendrimers. This review will display important examples in the field.