Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Biodegradable Amphiphilic Dendritic Polyether-ester

A novel biodegradable amphiphilic dendritic polyether-ester composed of glycerol, glycolic acid oligomer and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) is described. The monomer unit composed of glycerol and glycolic acid was protected by tert-butyl and benzyl groups. The amphiphilic dendritic polyether-ester was prepared in high yield using sequential deprotection reactions and esterification. The structure of all compounds was confirmed by H-1 NMR spectra, C-13 NMR spectra, GC-MS or matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the amphiphilic dendritic macromolecule molecular weight and distribution were measured by gel permeation chromatography.