Novel derivatives of fifth-generation polyan-dcloamine, comprising polyoxyethylene macromonomer and acrylolyoxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride units, were synthesized. The polyoxyethylene-grafted cationic polyamidoamine dendrimers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared,H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, and elemental analysis. The synthesis recipes and properties of the dendrimers were studied. The retention efficiency of the dendrimers was determined and discussed. Highly effective retention aids were obtained in retention experiments with broadleaf wood pulp fibers. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.