ABSTRACT
Dendrimers are molecules with very special properties due to their
symmetric hyperbranched structure based on the connection of self-
similar chemical groups. The term “dendrimer” is derived from the
Greekwords dendros, whichmeans “tree,” andmeros, meaning “part” (Crampton and Simanek, 2007). In fact, the structure of a dendrimer
resembles that of a tree crown. Somehow, dendrimers may be
considered as a peculiar variant of polymers where the monomers
systematically branch off, generating a tree-like structure, instead
of simply connecting linearly to each other forming a single, long
flexible-chain characteristic of ordinary polymers. However, con-
trary to common synthetic polymers, which have significant levels
of polydispersity (heterogeneity of molecular weights), dendrimers
are, in general, practically monodisperse (i.e., a sample is composed
of similar molecules). This important property is related to the
particular sequential synthetic procedures used in the preparation
of dendrimers.
