The C-60 core: A versatile tecton for dendrimer chemistry

The synthesis, complete characterization and molecular dynamics simulations of dendrimers 4-8 involving [60]-fullerene as core tecton and first- to third-generation benzyl-ether-based dendrons as branches is described. In dendrimer 7 a core branching multiplicity of 12, the highest known to date, is realized for the first time with a T-h-symmetrical C-60 core having an octahedral addition pattern. This unique structural type of core building block is only possible on the base of C-60 and has no precedent in organic chemistry. NMR investigations as well as molecular modelling studies show that, owing to high core branching multiplicity, dendrimer 7 and to a minor extent the mixed adduct 8 already represent globular and densely packed macromolecules, although only first-generation dendrons are involved in their construction.