The Introduction of Asymmetry into Alkyl-Decorated Fréchet-Type Dendrons

A strategy for the introduction of asymmetry into Fréchet-type dendrons bearing n-alkyl chains is described. Starting from a methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate core, 3,5-bis(octyloxyphenyl)methoxy and 3,5-bis(alkoxyphenyl)methoxy units are introduced in a stepwise manner. The method is illustrated by the syntheses of four representative compounds having mixed n-octyl/n-butyl, n-octyl/n-hexyl, n-octyl/n-heptyl and n-octyl/n-dodecyl substituents. The new compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques.