Preparation of fluorescent hyperbranched polymer materials by end-capping approach

Two kinds of novel fluorescent hyperbranched polymers were synthesized by the end-capping approach. The fluorescent hyperbranched polyether (FPEOTM) was obtained by end capping the hyperbranched poly(hydroxyl ether) (PEOTM) with guest molecules N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMABA). In addition, in the presence of triethylamine, the hyperbranched polysulfone-amine with terminal double bonds (HPSA) was synthesized by polyaddition of a new AB₂ type monomer (SAP, sulfone amine piperazine) at 40°C for 60 h in chloroform solution. Then the fluorescent hyperbranched polysulfone-amine (FHPSA) was prepared by addition of guest molecules N, N-dimethylaminoanilines (DMAA) with the terminal double bonds of HPSA. The two resulting polymers fluoresce yellow-green color in both solid and solution states. The maximum emission wavelength is (460±10) nm and (470±10) nm, respectively. A novel “complex quenching effect” for hyperbranched polymer was observed. The fluorescence can be quenched by transition metal cations such as Ag⁺, cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺, while alkali and alkaline earth metal cations almost have no influence on the fluorescence intensity.