An Easy Strategy for the Synthesis of Well-Defined Aliphatic-Aromatic Hyperbranched Polyesters

A one-pot solution polymerization under mild conditions was adapted for the synthesis of well-defined aliphatic-aromatic polyesters with different degrees of branching. The esterification was performed at room temperature using 4,4-bis(4'-hydroxyphenyl)valeric acid (AB(2)) and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (AB) as monomers. DPTS was used as a catalyst and DCC as a coupling agent. Polyesters with statistical, dendritic topology, controlled degree of branching and (M) over bar (w) > 35000 g . mol(-1) were obtained. The polymers were characterized by H-1 and C-13 NMR, SEC, DSC, and TGA. A strong dependence of the degree of branching and the thermal properties of the polymers depending on the AB/AB(2) monomer ration was observed