Hyperbranched polyethyleneimine architecture onto poly(allylamine) by simple synthetic approach and the chelating characters

In resemblance to the ethoxylation of alkylamine or polymeric amines to int roduce the nonionic hydrophiles by incorporation of ethylene oxide groups t o make surfactants, ethyleneimine (EI) groups were introduced into poly(all ylamine) by a simple in situ reaction of this polymer with 2-chloroethylami ne hydrochloride. The resultant polymers were allylic and chain-pendant wit h hyperbranched polyethyleneimine. The EI number (n) of the polymers was de termined by H-1 NMR. The percentages of primary, secondary, and tertiary am ine present were estimated by potentiometric titration. The chelating abili ties of the polymers that were applied growth conditions once (G(1), n appr oximate to 2) and twice (G(2), n - 6) were also examined by potentiometric titration and ultraviolet-visible spectoscopy in the presence of metal ions (Cu+2). Continuous-variation analysis revealed that each repeat unit of G( 1) and G(2) behaves as a multident chelate and forms a stable complex with Cu+2 ions utilizing an average of three EI dents per ion. (C) 2001 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.