Dendron-Functionalized Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles with Switchable Solubility in Organic and Aqueous Media: Matrices for Homogeneous Catalysis and Potential MRI Contrast Agents

Maghemite nanoparticles protected with a shell of Simanek (melamine) dendrons of three different generations were achieved via multiple-step syntheses. The resulting nanoclusters exhibited switchable solubility in various solvents and were examined as soluble matrices for supporting magnetically recoverable homogeneous Pd catalysts in organic solvents and as potential MRI contrast agents in aqueous media. Successful promotion of Suzuki reactions and the observation of generation-dependent dendritic effects with strong MR relaxivities suggest broad application possibilities for dendron-maghemite nanoparticles across many fields.