Synthesis and functionality of dendrimer with finely controlled metal assembly

Integrated research on the synthesis and functionality of macromolecular metal complexes has suggested that dendritic structures exhibiting a geometrical density gradient also impart a potential gradient within the constituent molecules. Focusing on dendritic π-conjugated macromolecules containing azomethine (imine) as a metal assembly site, the stepwise radial complexation of metal ions in a dendritic phenylazomethine structure has been identified for the first time. Using this discovery, the first macromolecules with precision control of the number and position of metal molecules have been synthesized. A series of new physicochemical discoveries have followed from this success, related to stepwise radial complexation, one-step multi-electron transfer, and potential gradients. The usefulness of these new macromolecules as a nano-material has also been demonstrated through application to (1) polymer electroluminescent devices, (2) organic solar cells with high energy conversion efficiency, and (3) the storage and release of metals in a manner similar to ferritin protein.