Supramolecular self-assembly of inclusion complexes of a multiarm hyperbranched polyether with cyclodextrins

A new class of crystalline inclusion complexes of a multiarm hyperbranched polyether combined with various cyclodextrins (CDs) was successfully prepared. Using self-condensing ring-opening polymerization, a kind of multiarm polyether with a hyperbranched poly(3-ethyl-3-oxetanemethanol) core and multiple linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) arms was obtained. It has been found that this kind of hyperbranched polyether can be dissolved in water. Adding alpha-CDs to the multiarm hyperbranched polyether solution, molecular recognition results in the formation of crystalline inclusion complexes based on the noncovalent interactions between the linear PEG arms of the polyether particles and the alpha-CDs. These multiarm polyether inclusion complexes have been well characterized. Interestingly, quite different from inclusion complexes of CDs and linear polymeric guests, the complexes of the multiarm hyperbranched polyether with alpha-CDs show a novel lamellar morphology. The experimental results validate that the resultant lamellar crystals have a juxtaposed structure. In addition, the formation mechanism of these inclusion complexes of a multiarm polyether with alpha-CDs has also been well described. Besides the role of displacement of associated water molecules and the presence of hydrogen bonding between CDs in channel structure CD inclusion complexes, the noncovalent intermolecular forces between CDs and polymers also play an important role in the formation of complex architectures.