Remarkable solvent isotope dependence on gelation strength in low molecular weight hydro-gelators

• DOI: 10.1039/c7cc00017k
• Publication Date: 2017-01-11T13:53:36Z
• Authors: Tjalling R. Canrinus; Florian J. R. Cer...; Ben L. Feringa; Wesley R. Browne
• Keywords: C-3-SYMMETRICAL MOLECULES; MECHANISM; DESIGN; SUPRAMOLECULAR POLYMERIZATION; WATER; SURFACTANTS; POLYMERS; HYDROGELATORS; 01 natural sciences; 3. Good health; 0104 chemical sciences

A delicate interplay of anisotropic hydrophobic/hydrophilic, π-π stacking, ionic and hydrogen bond interactions determine the strength hydrogelators are considered key factors in efforts to design potent small molecule hydrogelators. Here we show that solvent deuteration electrolytic affect hydrogels formed from amino acid modified C3-symmetric cyclohexane trisamides profoundly. Gels by self-assembly through heating/cooling solutions or pH switching up a 30 °C increase their melting temperatures D2O compared H2O. The unusually large isotope effect on gel formation thermal properties indicates that, contrast expectations, bonding is not primary determinant but instead hydrophobic between gelator molecules terminal carboxylic units greater importance. conclusion supported similarly electrolytes strength.