Abstract: The invention provides a functionalized compound of formula (II), which functionalized compound comprises n carbene precursor groups which are the same or different, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 3: wherein x is 1, E is a group which is capable of being converted into a carbene reactive intermediate group, Q is a core moiety, a polymer or a dendrimer, and each of the [R]x-E-L- groups, which are the same or different, is independently selected from a group of formula (Ie) and a group of formula (Ia): wherein L is a single bond or a linker group as defined herein, R is a terminal group as defined herein, and R1 is as defined herein. Further provided is the use of the functionalized compound as an agent for producing a chemically-bound three-dimensional network on or within a substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a functionalised compound of formula (II), which functionalised compound comprises n carbene precursor groups which are the same or different, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 3: wherein x is 1, E is a group which is capable of being converted into a carbene reactive intermediate group, Q is a core moiety, a polymer or a dendrimer, and each of the [R]x-E-L- groups, which are the same or different, is independently selected from a group of formula (Ie) and a group of formula (Ia): wherein L is a single bond or a linker group as defined herein, R is a terminal group as defined herein, and R1 is as defined herein. Further provided is the use of the functionalised compound as an agent for producing a chemically-bound three-dimensional network on or within a substrate.