The cyclodextrin (CD) molecule, a host for a variety of smaller molecular guests, and hyperbranched
polymers both possess molecule cavities in their molecular architectures. If the hyperbranched poly(-cyclodextrin)s
are established using modified -CD molecules as monomers, their molecular inclusion capabilities for smaller
molecular guests may be enhanced due to the combination of two different molecule cavities from both their
hyperbranched topography architecture and CD molecule chain segments. Herein, three types of hyperbranched
poly(-cyclodextrin)s, i.e., HBP-ABx from ABx-type -CD monomers, HBP-(By + ABx) from By core molecules
and ABx-type -CD monomers, and water-soluble HBP-AB2 from AB2-type -CD monomers, were synthesized
via hydrosilylation reaction under the thermal or ultraviolet activated polymerization. The hyperbranched structures
of resultant poly(-cyclodextrin)s were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, 1H-29Si heteronuclear
multiple bond correlation, and size exclusion chromatography/multiangle laser light scattering (SEC/MALLS).
The molecule inclusion and recognition behaviors of the novel hyperbranched poly(-cyclodextrin)s as well as
their macromolecular structures, degree of branching, and thermal properties were investigated in detail. UV-vis
spectroscopy results show that HBP-AB2 has molecular inclusion capabilities and also can form inclusion
complexation with single or double guests, including phenolphthalein (PP) and methyl orange (MO). Compared
with AB2-type -CD monomer, the molecular inclusion capability of the hyperbranched polymer was enhanced.
Furthermore, HBP-AB2 presents molecular recognition behavior when MO solution is added into their PP solution.
