Water-Soluble Blue Fluorescence-Emitting Hyperbranched Polysiloxanes Simultaneously Containing Hydroxyl and Primary Amine Groups

In this Communication, novel water-soluble hyperbranched polysiloxanes (WHPSs) simultaneously containing hydroxyl and primary amine groups are developed. The polymers are constructed via melt polycondensation, that is, transesterification reaction between ethoxyl groups of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and hydroxyl groups of dihydric alcohols, using a one-step process under catalyst-free conditions. Surprisingly, the resultant WHPSs can emit bright blue fluorescence in the 100% solid state under the irradiation of UV light, and their photoluminescence intensities in aqueous solutions continuously go up along with increasing concentrations. Interestingly, their hydrolyzates display more intense luminescence compared to the unhydrolyzed. The efficient and easily controllable preparation strategy provides a remarkable and versatile platform for the fabrication of neoteric fluorescent materials for various potential applications. Two novel water-soluble blue fluorescence-emitting hyperbranched polysiloxanes simultaneously containing hydroxyl and primary amine groups are developed. The resultant polymers can emit bright blue fluorescence in the 100% solid state, and the light-emitting intensity for the one carrying neopentyl glycol moiety is stronger than that of the other containing 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol moiety. Interestingly, the photoluminescence intensities of the hydrolyzed polymers are even enhanced compared to the unhydrolyzed.