Click Chemistry in Dendrimer Synthesis

Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) commonly known as ‘Click Chemistry’ has become a pivotal technique in the synthesis of giant dendrimers due to its high efficiency, selectivity, and mild reaction conditions. Dendrimers are highly branched macromolecules with precise and controllable architectures and through benefit from CuAAC's ability to form stable 1,2,3-triazole linkages, they enable the generation of uniform and well-defined molecular structures. The orthogonality of CuAAC allows for the sequential and regioselective introduction of functional groups at various stages of dendrimer growth, facilitating the customization of their physical, chemical, and biological properties. This approach has led to significant advancements in the design of dendrimers for applications in drug delivery, imaging, and nanotechnology. This chapter explores the integration of CuAAC in dendrimer synthesis, emphasizing its role in enhancing the structural complexity, functionality, and application potential of dendritic polymers.