A redox-responsive organogel based on a selenium-containing low molecular mass gelator

Abstract

To develop responsive organogels, a low molecular mass gelator (Chol-Se) with selenium as its redox-active center was designed and synthesized. Chol-Se could form thermally reversible physical gels in several organic solvents. By controlling the redox state of the selenide group in Chol-Se, responsive transformation of Chol-Se in ethyl acetate between the gelation and solution was achieved. Chol-Se will serve as an excellent smart material with potential applications in sensors, recognition, and separation.