Anion-Responsive Supramolecular Gels

Supramolecular gels that change their state or structure in response to anion stimuli have been highlighted. Only a few examples exist 017 Such supramolecular gels, the Structures and properties of which can be controlled and modulated by interactions with anions. To form anion-responsive dimensionally-controlled organized structures. the constituent low-molecular-weight gelator molecules must act as anion receptors by possessing one or more of van der Waals interaction units (aliphatic chains). stacking :T planes, hydrogen-bonding sites. and metal-coordination units. This Concept focuses on the gelation and transition behaviors of amide-and urea-based anion-stimulated systems, metal-coordinated systems. and novel acyclic a-conjugated oligopyr-roles that act as "molecular flippers."