Synthesis and characterization of a citric and lipoic acids-derived dendrimer

The paper describes the synthesis and characterization of two third generation dendrimers from citric acid and a variant with a dendron terminated with lipoic acid. FTIR and C NMR confirmed the presence of signals characteristic for the dendrimer functional groups OH, C-O, C=O, C-H and C-S. DSC showed that, unlike citric acid, the dendrimer is amorphous. SEM revealed changes in the structure of citric acid particles in each dendrimer generation. In addition, the structure was more homogeneous. Dendrimers are hydrophobic due to ester linkages. Contact angle > 90° confirms their hydrophobic character. Moreover, the dendrimer with a dendron terminated with lipoic acid absorbs Cu+2 and Fe+3metal ions, so it can be used as an adsorbent for heavy metals.