Functional cascade molecules

Abstract

Cascade molecules/dendrimers are highly branched, regularly built molecules that have now been known for two decades. While efforts in the early stage of their investigation were directed towards the development of higher generation structures and new dendritic architectures, the design of functional dendrimers is more and more emphasized today. The latest literature in the field reflects the search for cascade molecules that accumulate certain functional groups resulting in novel properties—the first practical applications are in sight. Dendrimers that interact with, and can be manipulated with light, appear particularly attractive and hold promises for future developments.