Divergent synthesis of novel unsymmetrical dendrons containing photosensitizing units

The synthesis, characterization and singlet oxygen quantum yield of novel unsymmetrical dendrons containing photosensitizing units at their periphery is reported. Boc-protected 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)-bis-ethylamine reacted with methyl acrylate and ethylene diamine to give half-dendrimers 4 and 5 with 2 and 4 end groups, respectively. Amine-tethered porphyrins and compounds 4 and 5 were efficiently coupled in DMF at 100 °C to give the functionalized dendrons. UV–visible and fluorescence emission spectra showed that the photophysical properties of the porphyrins were retained in the dendrimers.