Click Chemistry of Melamine Dendrimers: Comparison of “Click-and-Grow” and “Grow-Then-Click” Strategies Using a Divergent Route to Diversity

Abstract

Dendrimers are attractive macromolecules for a broad range of applications owing to their well-defined shapes and dimensions, highly branched and globular architectures, and opportunities for exploiting multivalency. Triazine dendrimers in particular offer advantages such as ease of synthesis, stability, well-defined spherical structure, multivalency, potential to achieve acceptable drug loadings, and low polydispersity. In this study, the potential utility of alkyne-azide “click” cycloadditions of first-, second-, and third-generation triazine dendrimers containing three or six alkynyl groups with benzyl azide was examined using copper catalysts. “Click-and-grow” and “grow-then-click” strategies were employed. For the first- and second- generation dendrimers, the desired triazole derivatives were obtained in high yields and purified by simple reprecipitation without column chromatography; however, some difficulties were observed in the preparation of third-generation dendrimers. The desired reaction proceeded under microwave irradiation as well as with simple heating. This click chemistry can be utilized for various melamine dendrimers that are fabricated with other amine linkers.

1. Introduction

Dendrimers are attractive macromolecules for a broad range of applications owing to their well-defined shapes and dimensions, highly branched and globular architectures, and opportunities for exploiting multivalency [1,2,3]. Dendrimers can also be modified by an introduction of various functional groups, which is a promising strategy for enabling their use in drug delivery vehicles and catalysis [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. For example, triazine dendrimers are a class of dendrimers that offer notable advantages such as ease of synthesis, stability, well-defined spherical structure, multivalency, potential to achieve acceptable drug loadings, and low polydispersity [14,15]. Recently, Simanek et al., synthesized various triazine dendrimers with multiple functional groups such as hydroxy and amino groups at the end of the molecule, and modified each functional group to incorporate multiple functionalities into the triazine dendrimers [16,17,18]. To further expand the potential of triazine dendrimers, Huisgen cycloaddition reaction was employed. Huisgen cycloaddition is a typical click reaction that affords 1,2,3-triazoles by the cycloaddition of azides and alkynes. Using this reaction, various substituents can be readily introduced into molecules with high functional selectivity without significant by-products. In recent years, click chemistry has been applied to the syntheses of dendrimers. Expanding the use of click reactions to dendrimers can contribute to the development of dendrimer science [19,20,21,22,23,24]. However, the application of Huisgen cycloaddition to triazine dendrimers has not been reported to date. Herein, synthesis of triazine dendrimers with alkyne chains and a molecular modification of triazine dendrimers using Huisgen cycloaddition is reported. For this reaction, the traditional piperazine linker was selected to obtain the triazine dendrimer. Subsequently, two strategies, namely “click-and-grow” and “grow-then-click,” were proposed for the synthesis and molecular modification of the triazine dendrimers. The “click-and-grow” strategy allows the generation of radial diversity by employing different azides at each generation, while the “grow-then-click” strategy relies on carrying alkynes through the synthesis and performing click reactions globally. After each generation of dendrimers was synthesized, all alkyne side chains were subjected to Huisgen cycloaddition.

2. Results and Discussion

The “click-and-grow” strategy to prepare the first-generation (G1) dendrimer 3 containing three alkynes is outlined in Scheme 1. A stoichiometric amount of monochlorotriazine 2 [17] was treated with tris(piperazyl) triazine core 1 [25] in the presence of excess base for three days by refluxing CHCl₃ to afford G1 dendrimer 3 in 91% yield. The desired dendrimer 3 was easily purified from unreacted 2 and incompletely substituted cores by silica gel column chromatography.

A well-known catalyst, CuSO₄/ascorbic acid [26], was initially used for the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction of G1 dendrimer 3 with benzyl azide at room temperature. The progress of the reaction was monitored using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and mass spectrometry; the reaction remained incomplete after three days. This low reactivity was likely due to the solubility of dendrimer 3. While this catalytic reaction is typically performed in an aqueous solution, dendrimer 3 did not show sufficient solubility in mixed solvent systems (THF/water). The same cycloaddition reaction of G1 dendrimer 3 was performed with CuI as the copper catalyst in THF. However, the reaction remained incomplete after three days, but the solubility of dendrimer 3 was improved. In addition, a byproduct with 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole ring [27,28] was generated. This cycloaddition of G1 dendrimer 3 was optimized using microwave irradiation based on the previously published reports; [29] the results are summarized in Table 1. The desired triazole dendrimer 4 was obtained in 85% yield when the reaction was performed with CuSO₄/ascorbic acid in THF/water under microwave irradiation for 15 min (Entry 1). The remaining copper salts were easily removed by washing with aqueous NaOH solution. The desired product was obtained by simple reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of the crude product in CHCl₃. Dendrimer 4 was obtained in 94% yield when the reaction was performed with CuI in THF under identical microwave irradiation conditions (Entry 2). The byproduct with the 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole ring was not generated in this case. These results suggested that microwave irradiation significantly improved the yield of the cycloaddition reaction of the triazine dendrimer. The same reaction was carried out using a pressure vessel in an oil bath at 110 °C without microwave irradiation. The desired reaction occurred, affording comparably high yields (Entries 3 and 4), albeit more slowly.

The synthesis and modification of the second-generation dendrimer 6 is shown in Scheme 2. The deprotection of the Boc groups of dendrimer 4 was achieved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in CH₂Cl₂. Dendrimer 5 was extracted using CHCl₃ from a basic solution of NaOH, and then used without further purification. This material was treated with a stoichiometric amount of monochlorotriazine 2 in the presence of excess base for five days under reflux conditions to afford 6 in 97% yield. Dendrimer 6 was easily purified by silica gel column chromatography. Copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of 6 with benzyl azide was examined under microwave irradiation with CuSO₄/ascorbic acid and CuI, and the desired triazole dendrimer 7 was obtained in 91% yields, respectively (Entries 5 and 6). When the reactions were performed at 110 °C in a pressure vessel, the desired triazole dendrimer 7 was also obtained in high yield (Entries 7 and 8). However, a longer reaction time (2×) was required to complete the reaction compared to the G1 dendrimer 3. G2 dendrimer 7 was purified through simple precipitation by MeOH addition to the crude organic phase obtained from extraction as well as G1 dendrimer 4.

The successful cycloaddition-mediated derivatization of 6 led us to investigate the click chemistry of a third-generation dendrimer. Dendrimer 9 was prepared via an iterative extension of 7 (Scheme 3) and purified using silica gel column chromatography. The copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of 9 with benzyl azide was investigated under microwave irradiation using CuSO₄/ascorbic acid and CuI; the desired triazole dendrimer 10 was obtained with low yields of 11% and 14%, respectively (Entries 9 and 10). When the reactions were performed at 110 °C in a pressure vessel, the desired triazole dendrimer 10 was also obtained (Entries 11 and 12). The click modification of G3 dendrimer 9 required a longer reaction time than that in the case of G2 dendrimer 6 for the complete disappearance of 9. TLC analysis showed evidence for the formation of polar, potentially polymeric species that could arise from alkyne–alkyne homocoupling reactions [30]. In addition, triazole dendrimer 10 could not be purified by simple precipitation because of its solubility limitations in various solvents and the presence of multiple impurities. Dendrimer 10 was purified using silica gel column chromatography.

Although not explored in the syntheses described above, the “click-and-grow” strategy allows the incorporation of different azide-bearing groups at each generation of the dendrimer. Alternatively, a single azide-bearing group can be incorporated throughout the dendrimer if pendant alkynes are carried through the iterative growth of these targets and globally “clicked.” To explore the “grow-then-click” strategy, second- and third-generation dendrimers having six and nine alkynyl groups in the molecules, respectively, were targeted for synthesis. Dendrimer 12 was prepared from 3 in 76% overall yield using a similar method as that employed for preparing G2 dendrimer 6 (Scheme 4). The reaction of 12 with benzyl azide under microwave irradiation with CuSO₄/ascorbic acid and CuI yielded the desired triazole dendrimer 7 in high yields (Entries 13 and 14). When the same reactions were carried out at 110 °C in a pressure vessel, the desired triazole dendrimer 7 was also obtained in high yields (Entries 15 and 16). The yields and reaction times of the cycloaddition reaction of dendrimer 12 were similar to those of dendrimer 6. However, the preparation of dendrimer 14 was more challenging than the synthesis of G2 dendrimer 12 (Scheme 5). Although deprotection of 12 was achieved with 50% TFA in CH₂Cl₂, the low solubility of 13 in organic solvents prevented the synthesis of 14. TLC analysis indicated that a significant amount of 2 remained after one week. Notably, dendrimer 14 could not be synthesized even after changing the solvents to CHCl₃/MeOH (5:1), CHCl₃/THF, THF, dichloroethane, and dioxane. The poor solubility of dendrimer 13 led to the abandonment of this route.

An alternative approach to prepare 14 was attempted. The reaction of G1 dendrimer 11 with second-generation dendron 17 was envisioned to afford G3 dendrimer 14. Dendron 17 was prepared from 2 in 65% overall yield (Scheme 6). Monochlorotriazine 2 was treated with excess piperazine, which afforded mono-N-substituted piperazine 15. Subsequently, 15 was converted into dichlorotriazine 16 with excess cyanuric chloride. The by-products of the reaction with excess reactants were observed in both cases. A stoichiometric amount of dendron 17 was treated with G1 dendrimer 11 for one week under reflux conditions using CHCl₃/THF (1:1) mixture. In this case, the reaction mixture was a clear solution at the beginning of the reaction, but precipitation gradually increased in the mixture. However, TLC analysis showed the presence of a large amount of remaining 17, while the desired G3 dendrimer 14 was not observed. These results suggested that the synthesis of dendrimer 14 was difficult because of solubility issues.

Additionally, the synthesis of G3 triazine dendrimers 9 and 10 with 1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazole rings was accomplished. This result led us to attempt a new strategy for synthesizing G3 dendrimer 18 with three 1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazole rings. Dendrimer 18 was prepared via an iterative extension of 17 (Scheme 7) with dendrimer 5 and purified using silica gel column chromatography. The copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of 18 and benzyl azide was investigated under microwave irradiation with CuSO₄/ascorbic acid and CuI. The desired triazole dendrimer 10 was obtained with low yields of 11% (with CuSO₄/ascorbic acid) and 10% (with CuI) (Entries 17 and 18). When the reactions were performed at 110 °C in a pressure vessel, the desired triazole dendrimer 10 was also obtained (Entries 19 and 20).

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. General Experimental

All chemicals were obtained from TCI Fine Chemicals, Tokyo, Japan, Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Tokyo, Japan, Kanto Chemical, Tokyo, Japan and Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA, and used without further purification. NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl₃ or CDCl₃/CD₃OD (5:1) on either a JEOL ECS-400 or a JEOL ECA-600 spectrometer, Tokyo, Japan. ¹H NMR data are reported in ppm (δ) relative to TMS. ¹³C NMR data are reported in ppm (δ) relative to the central line of the triplet for CDCl₃ at 77.0 ppm. Mass spectra were recorded on a JEOL JMS-S3000 SpialTOF instrument, Tokyo, Japan. Microwave experiments were carried out using a CEM Discover Microwave Synthesizer (CEM Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and the irradiation was performed at a maximum power of 150 W. Chromatographic separations were carried out on a silica gel column (Kanto Chemical 60N, 63–210 µm, Tokyo, Japan; or Chromatorex^® NH-DM1020, 100–200 mesh, Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The NMR spectra are shown in Supplementary Materials Pages S1–S15.

3.2. Synthesis of G1 Dendrimer 3

Compound 2 (4.75 g, 13.5 mmol) and DIPEA (7.1 mL, 41.8 mmol) were successively added to a solution of triazine core 1 (1.37 g, 4.11 mmol) in CHCl₃ (30 mL), and the resulting mixture was refluxed for three days. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (50 mL × 3), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient elution using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (2:1) until no detectable 2 was observed, as determined by UV spotting, to CHCl₃/MeOH (10:1) to obtain the desired product) to afford 3 as a white solid (4.82 g, 91%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.94 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 3H), 4.19 (dd, J = 5.7, 2.5 Hz, 6H), 3.85–3.71 (m, 36H), 3.48–3.42 (m, 12H), 2.20 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 3H), 1.49 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.8, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 80.8, 79.9, 70.7, 43.1, 43.0, 42.9, 30.4, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₆₀H₈₇N₂₇NaO₆, 1304.7225 (M + Na⁺); found, 1304.7240.

3.3. Synthesis of G1 Dendrimer 4

3.3.1. CuSO₄/Ascorbic Acid

Benzyl azide (33.0 µL, 0.264 mmol), ascorbic acid (21 mg, 0.119 mmol), and copper (II) sulfate (3.7 mg, 0.0232 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 3 (101 mg, 0.0787 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 15 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 1 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL), and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 4 as an off-white solid. Yield; MW: (113 mg, 0.0672 mmol, 85%), pressure vessel: (110 mg, 0.0654 mmol, 83%).

3.3.2. CuI/DIPEA

Benzyl azide (33.0 µL, 0.264 mmol), DIPEA (40 µL, 0.235 mmol), and copper (I) iodide (4.9 mg, 0.0257 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 3 (101 mg, 0.0787 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 15 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 1 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl3 (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 4 as an off-white solid. Yield, MW: (125 mg, 0.0743 mmol, 94%); pressure vessel: (118 mg, 0.0702 mmol, 89%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.44–7.29 (m, 12H), 7.27–7.20 (m, 6H), 5.48 (s, 6H), 5.23 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 3H), 4.67 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 6H), 3.83–3.65 (m, 36H), 3.49–3.32 (m, 12H), 1.49 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 146.9, 134.6, 129.1, 128.8, 128.0, 121.5, 79.9, 54.1, 43.0, 43.0, 42.9, 36.6, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₈₁H₁₀₈N₃₆NaO₆, 1703.9145 (M + Na⁺); found, 1703.9137.

3.4. Synthesis of G1 Dendrimer 5

TFA (10 mL) was added to a solution of compound 4 (309 mg, 0.184 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was basified with 20% aqueous NaOH (50 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with CHCl₃ (50 mL × 6). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL × 1), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 5 as a white solid (228 mg, 90%), which was used for the next reaction without further purification. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.39–7.31 (m, 12H), 7.26–7.20 (m, 6H), 5.47 (s, 6H), 5.24 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 3H), 4.67 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 6H), 3.96–3.55 (m, 39H), 2.88–2.79 (m, 12H).¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.3, 165.2, 165.1, 147.0, 134.6, 129.1, 128.7, 128.0, 121.5, 54.1, 46.0, 44.2, 43.0, 43.0, 36.6. HRMS (MALDI); calcd for C₆₆H₈₄N₃₆Na, 1403.7572 (M + Na⁺); found, 1403.7561.

3.5. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 6

Compound 2 (219 mg, 0.621 mmol) and DIPEA (301 µL, 1.77 mmol) were successively added to a solution of G1 dendrimer 5 (215 mg, 0.156 mmol) in CHCl₃ (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 5 days. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (50 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (50 mL × 3), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient elution using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (2:1) until no detectable 2 was observed, as determined by UV spotting, to CHCl₃/MeOH (10:1) to obtain the desired product) to afford 6 as an off-white solid (352 mg, 97%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.38–7.30 (m, 12H), 7.26–7.22 (m, 6H), 5.48 (s, 6H), 5.30–5.20 (m, 3H), 4.99–4.89 (m, 3H), 4.68 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 6H), 4.20 (dd, J = 5.7, 2.5 Hz, 6H), 3.78–3.68 (m, 60H), 3.49–3.40 (m, 12H), 2.21 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 3H), 1.48 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.8, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 146.9, 134.6, 129.1, 128.7, 128.0, 121.5, 80.8, 79.9, 70.7, 54.1, 43.0, 43.0, 36.6, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₁₁H₁₄₄N₅₄NaO₆, 2352.2515 (M + Na⁺); found, 2352.2524.

3.6. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 7 from Compound 6

3.6.1. CuSO₄/Ascorbic Acid

Benzyl azide (16.5 µL, 0.132 mmol), ascorbic acid (10.4 mg, 0.0591 mmol), and copper (II) sulfate (1.9 mg, 0.0119 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 6 (93 mg, 0.0399 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 30 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 2 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL), and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 7 as an off-white solid. Yield; MW: (99.1 mg, 0.0363 mmol, 91%), pressure vessel: (92.2 mg, 0.0338 mmol, 85%).

3.6.2. CuI/DIPEA

Benzyl azide (17.7 µL, 0.142 mmol), DIPEA (22 µL, 0.129 mmol), and copper (I) iodide (2.6 mg, 0.0137 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 6 (100 mg, 0.0429 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 30 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 2 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 7 as an off-white solid. Yield; MW: (107 mg, 0.0392 mmol, 91%), pressure vessel: (106 mg, 0.0388 mmol, 91%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.45–7.29 (m, 24H), 7.26–7.19 (m, 12H), 5.48 (d, J = 3.8 Hz, 12H), 5.35–5.15 (m, 6H), 4.67 (dd, J = 11.0, 6.0 Hz, 12H), 3.86–3.63 (m, 60H), 3.49–3.30 (m, 12H), 1.48 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 146.9, 134.6, 129.1, 128.7, 128.0, 121.5, 79.9, 54.1, 43.1, 43.0, 42.9, 42.9, 36.6, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₃₂H₁₆₅N₆₃NaO₆, 2751.4435 (M + Na⁺); found, 2751.4466.

3.7. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 8

TFA (10 mL) was added to a solution of compound 7 (467 mg, 0.171 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was basified with 20% aqueous NaOH (30 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with CHCl₃ (30 mL × 5). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL × 1), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 8 as a white solid (385 mg, 93%), which was used for the next reaction without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.44–7.28 (m, 24H), 7.26–7.19 (m, 12H), 5.47 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 12H), 5.26 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 6H), 4.67 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 12H), 3.99–3.49 (m, 63H), 2.91–2.73 (m, 12H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.4, 165.2, 165.1, 147.0, 134.7, 134.6, 129.1, 128.7, 128.7, 128.0, 121.6, 121.5, 54.1, 46.0, 44.2, 43.1, 43.0, 36.6. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₁₇H₁₄₁N₆₃Na, 2451.2862 (M + Na⁺); found, 2451.2861.

3.8. Synthesis of G3 Dendrimer 9

Compound 2 (85 mg, 0.241 mmol) and DIPEA (122 µL, 0.718 mmol) were successively added to a solution of G2 dendrimer 8 (145 mg, 0.0597 mmol) in CHCl₃ (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 7 days. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (100 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (50 mL × 2), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient elution using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (2:1) until no detectable 2 was observed, as determined by UV spotting, to CHCl₃/MeOH (15:1) to obtain the desired product) to afford 9 as a pale yellow solid (161 mg, 80%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.38–7.31 (m, 24H), 7.26–7.20 (m, 12H), 5.48 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 12H), 5.26–5.16 (m, 6H), 4.68 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 12H), 4.19 (dd, J = 5.8, 2.6 Hz, 6H), 3.92–3.65 (m, 84H), 3.47–3.40 (m, 12H), 2.20 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 3H), 1.48 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.2, 165.9, 165.4, 165.2, 165.2, 154.8, 146.9, 134.7, 129.1, 128.8, 128.1, 121.5, 80.9, 79.9, 70.7, 54.1, 43.0, 36.6, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₆₂H₂₀₁N₈₁NaO₆, 3399.7805 (M + Na⁺); found, 3399.7780.

3.9. Synthesis of G3 Dendrimer 10 from Compound 9

3.9.1. CuSO₄/Ascorbic Acid

Benzyl azide (11 µL, 0.0880 mmol), ascorbic acid (7.6 mg, 0.0432 mmol), and copper (II) sulfate (1.5 mg, 0.0094 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 9 (90 mg, 0.0266 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 2 h in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 8 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/MeOH, 20:1) to afford 10 as a pale yellow solid. Yield; MW: (11.1 mg, 2.91 µmol, 11%), pressure vessel: (16.0 mg, 4.23 µmol, 16%).

3.9.2. CuI/DIPEA

Benzyl azide (11 µL, 0.0880 mmol), DIPEA (14 µL, 0.0823 mmol), and copper (I) iodide (2.0 mg, 0.0105 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 9 (90 mg, 0.0266 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 2 h in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 8 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/MeOH, 20:1) to afford 10 as a pale yellow solid. Yield; MW: (14.0 mg, 3.71 µmol, 14%), pressure vessel: (28.2 mg, 7.46 µmol, 28%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃:CD₃OD = 5:1 v/v) δ 7.79–7.15 (m, 54H), 5.49 (d, J = 3.8 Hz, 18H), 4.81–4.48 (m, 18H), 4.41–4.16 (m, 9H), 3.92–3.56 (m, 84H), 3.45–3.35 (m, 12H), 1.49 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃:CD₃OD = 5:1 v/v) δ 165.8, 165.2, 164.9, 154.9, 146.8, 134.3, 130.9, 128.9, 128.6, 127.9, 121.8, 80.2, 65.5, 54.0, 42.8, 36.0, 29.5, 28.1, 25.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₈₃H₂₂₂N₉₀NaO₆, 3798.9725 (M + Na⁺); found, 3798.9722.

3.10. Synthesis of G1 Dendrimer 11

TFA (20 mL) was added to a solution of compound 3 (843 mg, 0.657 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was basified with 20% aqueous NaOH (50 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with CHCl₃ (70 mL × 6). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL × 1), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 11 as a white solid (555 mg, 86%), which was used for the next reaction without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.97 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 3H), 4.19 (dd, J = 5.5, 2.5 Hz, 6H), 3.88–3.66 (m, 39H), 2.92–2.82 (m, 12H), 2.19 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.8, 165.4, 165.2, 165.1, 81.0, 70.6, 46.0, 44.3, 43.1, 43.0, 30.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₄₅H₆₄N₂₇, 982.5833 (M + H⁺); found, 982.5820.

3.11. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 12

Compound 2 (775 mg, 2.20 mmol) and DIPEA (1.0 mL 5.91 mmol) were successively added to a solution of G1 dendrimer 11 (542 mg, 0.552 mmol) in CHCl₃ (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 5 days. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (100 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (50 mL × 2), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient elution using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (2:1) until no detectable 2 was observed, as determined by UV spotting, to CHCl₃/MeOH (10:1) to obtain the desired product) to afford 12 as an off-white solid (936 mg, 88%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.95 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 6H), 4.25–4.15 (m, 12H), 3.92–3.70 (m, 60H), 3.49–3.41 (m, 12H), 2.21 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 6H), 1.48 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.8, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 80.9, 80.9, 79.9, 70.7, 43.1, 43.0, 42.9, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₉₀H₁₂₃N₄₅NaO₆, 1953.0595 (M + Na⁺); found, 1953.0604.

3.12. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 7 from Compound 12

3.12.1. CuSO₄/Ascorbic Acid

Benzyl azide (43.0 µL, 0.344 mmol), ascorbic acid (27.7 mg, 0.157 mmol), and copper (II) sulfate (5.3 mg, 0.0332 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 12 (101 mg, 0.0523 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 30 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 2 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 7 as an off-white solid. Yield; MW: (124 mg, 0.0454 mmol, 87%), pressure vessel: (126 mg, 0.0462 mmol, 88%).

3.12.2. CuI/DIPEA

Benzyl azide (43.0 µL, 0.344 mmol), DIPEA (53 µL, 0.312 mmol), and copper (I) iodide (6.8 mg, 0.0357 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 12 (101 mg, 0.0523 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 30 min in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 2 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2) and water (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified by reprecipitation with MeOH from a clear solution of CHCl₃ to afford 7 as an off-white solid. Yield; MW: (123 mg, 0.0451 mmol, 86%), pressure vessel: (129 mg, 0.0472 mmol, 90%).

3.13. Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer 13

TFA (15 mL) was added to a solution of compound 12 (193 mg, 0.100 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was basified with 20% aqueous NaOH (50 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with CHCl₃ (100 mL × 5). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL × 1), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 13 as a white solid (127 mg, 78%), which was used for the next reaction without further purification. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.87 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 6H), 4.21 (td, J = 5.5, 2.5 Hz, 12H), 3.85–3.72 (m, 63H), 2.90–2.85 (m, 12H), 2.22–2.19 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.9, 165.4, 165.3, 165.1, 81.0, 80.9, 70.7, 70.7, 46.1, 44.3, 43.1, 43.1, 43.0, 30.5. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₇₅H₉₉N₄₅Na, 1652.9022 (M + Na⁺); found, 1652.9012.

3.14. Synthesis of Compound 15

Piperazine anhydrous (5.45 g, 63.3 mmol) was added to a solution of compound 2 (2.23 g, 6.32 mmol) in CHCl₃ (30 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (35 mL × 2), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on NH silica gel (CHCl₃/EtOAc, 20:1) to afford 15 as a white solid (2.01 g, 79%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 5.01 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (dd, J = 5.6, 2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.85–3.61 (m, 9H), 3.48–3.38 (m, 4H), 2.93–2.79 (m, 4H), 2.19 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.8, 165.2, 165.0, 154.8, 80.9, 79.8, 70.6, 46.0, 44.2, 42.9, 30.4, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₉H₃₁N₈O₂, 403.2565 (M + H⁺); found, 403.2565.

3.15. Synthesis of Compound 16

Cyanuric chloride (1.10 g, 5.99 mmol) and DIPEA (510.0 µL, 3.00 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 15 (1.20 g, 2.99 mmol) in CHCl₃ (15 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 2 h at 0 °C. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (25 mL × 2), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/EtOAc, 15:1) to afford 16 as a white solid (1.60 g, 97%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.94 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.19 (dd, J = 5.7, 2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.95–3.68 (m, 12H), 3.49–3.40 (m, 4H), 2.20 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 1.49 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 170.4, 165.8, 165.2, 165.1, 164.1, 154.8, 80.6, 80.0, 70.8, 44.0, 43.0, 42.6, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₂₂H₂₉Cl₂N₁₁NaO₂, 572.1775 (M + Na⁺); found, 572.1784.

3.16. Synthesis of Compound 17

Propargylamine (140 µL, 2.19 mmol) and DIPEA (1.24 mL, 7.29 mmol) were added to a solution of compound 16 (801 mg, 1.46 mmol) in THF (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (50 mL × 3), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/MeOH, 20:1) to afford 17 as a white solid (708 mg, 85%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.33–6.20 (m, 1H), 4.99 (t, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 4.26–4.14 (m, 4H), 3.93–3.70 (m, 12H), 3.48–3.41 (m, 4H), 2.23 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 2.20 (t, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 169.1, 165.8, 165.2, 165.2, 164.4, 154.8, 80.7, 79.9, 79.5, 71.2, 70.7, 43.4, 42.9, 42.7, 30.6, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₂₅H₃₃ClN₁₂NaO₂, 591.2430 (M + Na⁺); found, 591.2436.

3.17. Synthesis of G3 Dendrimer 18

Compound 17 (542 mg, 0.952 mmol) and DIPEA (502 µL, 2.95 mmol) were successively added to a solution of G1 dendrimer 5 (326 mg, 0.236 mmol) in CHCl₃ (20 mL), and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 8 days. After the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (100 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL × 1), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient elution using (CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc 2:1) until no detectable 16 was observed, as determined by UV spotting, to (CHCl₃/MeOH 15:1) to obtain the desired product) to afford 18 as a slightly yellow solid (638 mg, 91%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.41–7.29 (m, 12H), 7.26–7.22 (m, 6H), 5.49 (s, 6H), 5.32–5.23 (m, 3H), 5.17–4.84 (m, 6H), 4.69 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 6H), 4.23–4.16 (m, 12H), 3.88–3.70 (m, 84H), 3.47–3.41 (m, 12H), 2.23–2.18 (m, 6H), 1.48 (s, 27H). ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.1, 165.8, 165.4, 165.2, 154.8, 147.0, 134.6, 129.1, 128.8, 128.0, 121.5, 80.9, 80.9, 79.9, 70.7, 54.1, 43.0, 43.0, 36.6, 30.5, 28.4. HRMS (MALDI): calcd for C₁₄₁H₁₈₀N₇₂NaO₆, 3000.5885 (M + Na⁺); found, 3000.5873.

3.18. Synthesis of G3 Dendrimer 10 from Compound 18

3.18.1. CuSO₄/Ascorbic Acid

Benzyl azide (25.0 µL, 0.200 mmol), ascorbic acid (16.6 mg, 0.0943 mmol), and copper (II) sulfate (2.9 mg, 0.0182 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 18 (90 mg, 0.0302 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 3 h in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 12 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/MeOH, 20:1) to afford 10 as a yellow solid. Yield; MW: (12.3 mg, 3.26 µmol, 11%), pressure vessel: (12.6 mg, 3.33 µmol, 11%).

3.18.2. CuI/DIPEA

Benzyl azide (25.0 µL, 0.200 mmol), DIPEA (31.0 µL, 0.182 mmol), and copper (I) iodide (4.2 mg, 0.0221 mmol) were successively added to a solution of compound 18 (90 mg, 0.0302 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The resulting mixture was subjected to microwave irradiation at 110 °C for 3 h in a sealed vial or stirred at 110 °C for 12 h in a pressure vessel. After the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (70 mL) and the solution was washed with 5% aqueous NaOH (30 mL × 2). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated. The crude product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel (CHCl₃/MeOH, 20:1) to afford 10 as a pale yellow solid. Yield; MW: (11.0 mg, 2.91 µmol, 10%), pressure vessel: (18.1 mg, 4.79 µmol, 16%).

4. Conclusions

In this study, we conducted a fundamental investigation of click chemistry for melamine-based dendrimers. The click chemistry of G1 and G2 dendrimers containing three or six alkynyl groups with benzyl azide afforded the desired triazole dendrimers in high yields without undesirable byproducts, but some challenges were encountered in the case of G3 dendrimers. The desired reaction proceeded under microwave irradiation as well as with simple heating. This click chemistry can be utilized for various melamine dendrimers that are prepared with other amine linkers. Changing the piperazine linker may resolve the issues encountered here. In addition, this transformation may be used to achieve diverse functionalized azides with components showing medicinal activities, conjugation of biocompatible groups, and diagnostic labels. The stepwise methodology, which allows the repetition of divergent synthesis and click chemistry, can be suitable for introducing different triazole components. Further studies may allow the development of diverse functionalized melamine dendrimers.

Author Contributions

Manuscript writing, S.N., R.Y. and Y.K.; chemical work, S.N., R.Y. and M.K.; design and supervise the study, E.E.S. and Y.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article or Supplementary Materials.

Acknowledgments

We thank members of Smart Core facility Promotion Organization of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology for technical assistance.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Footnotes

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Schemes and Table

Scheme 1. Reagents and conditions: (i) DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux, 91%; (ii) see Table 1.

Scheme 2. Reagents and conditions: (i) 50%TFA in CH2Cl2, rt, 90%; (ii) 2, DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux, 97%; (iii) see Table 1.

Scheme 3. Reagents and conditions: (i) 50% TFA in CH2Cl2, rt, 93%; (ii) 2, DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux, 80%; (iii) see Table 1.

Scheme 4. Reagents and conditions: (i) 50% TFA in CH2Cl2, rt, 86%; (ii) 2, DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux, 88%; (iii) see Table 1.

Scheme 5. Reagents and conditions: (i) 50% TFA in CH2Cl2, rt, 78%; (ii) 2, DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux.

Scheme 6. Reagents and conditions: (i) Piperazine anhydrous, CHCl3, rt, 79%; (ii) Cyanuric chloride, DIPEA, CHCl3, 0 °C, 97%; (iii) Propargylamine, DIPEA, THF, rt, 85%.

Scheme 7. Reagents and conditions: (i) 17, DIPEA, CHCl3, reflux, 91%; (ii) see Table 1.

Table 1

Alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of dendrimers 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 with BnN₃.

Entry	Substrate	Product	Source of Cu	Solvent	Heating Condition	Time	Yield (%)
1 a	3 (G1)	4	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C (MW)	15 min	85
2 b	3 (G1)	4	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C (MW)	15 min	94
3 a	3 (G1)	4	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C	1 h	83
4 b	3 (G1)	4	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C	1 h	89
5 c	6 (G2)	7	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C (MW)	30 min	91
6 d	6 (G2)	7	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C (MW)	30 min	91
7 c	6 (G2)	7	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C	2 h	85
8 d	6 (G2)	7	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C	2 h	91
9 e	9 (G3)	10	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C (MW)	2 h	11
10 f	9 (G3)	10	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C (MW)	2 h	14
11 e	9 (G3)	10	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C	8 h	16
12 f	9 (G3)	10	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C	8 h	28
13 g	12 (G2)	7	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C (MW)	30 min	87
14 h	12 (G2)	7	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C (MW)	30 min	86
15 g	12 (G2)	7	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C	2 h	88
16 h	12 (G2)	7	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C	2 h	90
17 i	18 (G3)	10	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C (MW)	3 h	11
18 j	18 (G3)	10	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C (MW)	3 h	10
19 i	18 (G3)	10	CuSO4/AA	THF/H2O	110 °C	12 h	11
20 j	18 (G3)	10	CuI/DIPEA	THF	110 °C	12 h	16

AA; ascorbic acid. ^a Substrate (101 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuSO₄ (0.3 eq), AA (1.5 eq), THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). ^b Substrate (101 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuI (0.3 eq), DIPEA (3.0 eq), THF (5 mL). ^c Substrate (93 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuSO₄ (0.3 eq), AA (1.5 eq), THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). ^d Substrate (100 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuI (0.3 eq), DIPEA (3.0 eq), THF (5 mL). ^e Substrate (90 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuSO₄ (0.3 eq), AA (1.5 eq), THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). ^f Substrate (90 mg), BnN₃ (3.3 eq), CuI (0.3 eq), DIPEA (3.0 eq), THF (5 mL). ^g Substrate (101 mg), BnN₃ (6.6 eq), CuSO₄ (0.6 eq), AA (3.0 eq), THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). ^h Substrate (101 mg), BnN₃ (6.6 eq), CuI (0.6 eq), DIPEA (6.0 eq), THF (5 mL). ⁱ Substrate (90 mg), BnN₃ (6.6 eq), CuSO₄ (0.6 eq), AA (3.0 eq), THF/H₂O (1:1 v/v, 5 mL). ^j Substrate (90 mg), BnN₃ (6.6 eq), CuI (0.6 eq), DIPEA (6.0 eq), THF (5 mL).

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/molecules28010131/s1; Page S2: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G1 dendrimer 3; Page S3: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G1 dendrimer 4; Page S4: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G1 dendrimer 5; Page S5: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G2 dendrimer 6; Page S6: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G2 dendrimer 7; Page S7: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G2 dendrimer 8; Page S8: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G3 dendrimer 9; Page S9: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G3 dendrimer 10; Page S10: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G1 dendrimer 11; Page S11: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G2 dendrimer 12; Page S12: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G2 dendrimer 13; Page S13: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of 15; Page S14: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of 16; Page S15: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of 17; Page S16: ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data of G3 dendrimer 18.

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