AbstractIn order to provide more insight into the effect of core functionality on hyperbranched polymer characteristics, two series of hyperbranched polyesters (HBPEs) were synthesized by reacting 2,2‐bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis‐MPA) as AB2 monomer with both dipentaerythritol (DPE) and pentaerythritol as six (B6)‐ and four (B4)‐functional core molecules. The molar mass, composition and structure of HBPEs were determined with respect to the negative substitution logic and monomer self‐condensation effect. The molar masses and structures of HBPEs containing DPE core were less influenced by the negative effect of a reacted hydroxyl group on the reactivity of other hydroxyl groups in the same monomer unit. Thus, the use of DPE core in copolymerization with bis‐MPA monomer could help slightly to increase the molar mass of HBPEs. Conversely, the effect of self‐condensation of bis‐MPA on the molar mass reduction was more pronounced in the case of DPE hyperbranched polymers due to the A–B negative substitution effect. These two effects become more significant with increasing pseudo‐generation numbers of the HBPEs. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
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