Microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of hyperbranched epoxide-amine adducts.

Hyperbranched epoxide-amine adducts were synthesized by a one-pot microwave (MW) assisted reaction. 4-(2,3-epoxypropyl-1-oxy)benzonitrile was hydrogenated using Pd/C under microwave conditions, forming the AB(2) monomer 1-aminomethyl-4-(2,3-epoxypropyl-1-oxy)benzene. Depending on the reaction temperature this monomer immediately reacts to give hyperbranched epoxide-amine adducts. Mass spectrometric investigations proved the formation of a homologous series of oligomers containing up to six repeating units. Due to the complexing properties of the poly(amino alcohol) moieties in the presence of Cu(2+) ions, large aggregates were formed.