Synthesis and Solution Properties of a Novel Thermosensitive Poly(benzyl ether) Dendron with Oligoethyleneoxy Chains at the Periphery

A novel thermosensitive second-generation poly(benzyl ether) dendron with oligoethyleneoxy chains at the periphery was synthesized. Its cloud point (CP) decreased with an increasing concentration over a range of concentrations from 9 to 60 wt %. Fluorescent spectroscopy and AFM studies revealed that the dendron self-assembled into the spherical micelles, about 50 nm in diameter, at concentration over its CMC in an aqueous solution. This dendron has a potential as smart thermosensitive materials.