Self-assembled organogels formed by monochain derivatives of ethylenediamine

A family of low molecular weight organogelators (LMOG) based on monochain derivatives of ethylenediamine were investigated. The monochain derivatives of ethylenediamine show strong gelation ability in a number of organic solvents, including polar solvents and non-polar solvents. In gel state, molecules of monochain ethylenediamine derivatives self-assemble into ordered aggregates, which are juxtaposed and interlocked to form three-dimensional networks of fiber bundles as confirmed by scanning electron mircroscopy (SEM). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies demonstrate that intermolecular hydrogen bonds between neighboring molecules are critical factor in the process of organogelation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.