Poly(propylenimine) dendrimers: large-scale synthesis via heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation

In kilogram quantities; pure poly(propylene imine) dendrimers can be prepared in an extremely simple reaction sequence comprising Michael addition (primary amines to acrylonitrile) and heterogeneous hydrogenation with a Raney cobalt catalyst. Both steps proceed quantitatively and selectively and can be employed with many core and end groups.