Synthesis, characterization, and controlling morphology of an aryl ether dendrimer containing a dichalcogenide bond as the core

A poly(benzyl ether) dendron with a thiol group or a selenocyanate group at the focal point was synthesized and well characterized, and then used for the controlling morphology. The molecules show a reversible redox behavior between dendrons and dendrimer dichalcogenides, being achieved under chemical reactions, although a dendrimer having selenium atoms has never been reported. Furthermore, dendrimer dichalcogenides underwent an dechalcogenation reaction upon a treatment with hexaethylphosphorous triamide or photoirradiation to give dendrimer chalcogenides.