Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Mass Spectrometry Of Dendrimer Metal Complexes, Jason David Batchelor

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Dendrimers are hyper-branched macromolecules with unique properties. They form using a “cascade-like” synthesis involving repetitive reaction steps. These steps are controlled, resulting in monodisperse dendrimers. Synthesis is divergent, core to exterior, or convergent, exterior to core. Dendrimers are created from various molecules with numerous functional properties. They are used as catalysts, diagnostic agents, and others.

This thesis studies 1st generation poly(propylene) imine, consisting of a diaminobutane core with 4 propyl amine branches. Fragmentation of protonated and metal (Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) complexed dendrimers was analyzed by ion-trap mass spectrometry. Two isotopically labeled dendrimers were synthesized for neutral loss identification …