Synthesis of hyperbranched polycarbonate by novel polymerization of di-tert-butyl tricarbonate with 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane

Hyperbranched polycarbonates (HBPCs) with M-n=2.1-7.1 x 10(3) were synthesized by A(2)+B-3 polymerization using di-tert-butyl tricarbonate as the A(2) monomer and 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane as the B-3 monomer. A(2)+B-3 polymerization with different feed ratios was achieved, controlling the degree of branching (DB) and the ratio of terminal functional groups. The DB of the HBPCs is 0.5-0.7. The Boc-terminated PC was prepared by either a 1-pot or a 2-pot synthesis. In contrast, PC with terminal phenol groups was prepared by deprotection of Boc-terminated PC. Polymer Journal (2010) 42, 852-859; doi: 10.1038/pj.2010.82; published online 15 September 2010