Role of water in the formation of unusual organogels with cyclo(leucyl–leucyl)

Abstract

The key role of water in the formation of cyclo(leucyl–leucyl) organogels was demonstrated. The conditions required for preparation of previously unknown gels with aliphatic hydrocarbons at room temperature were determined. Cyclo(leucyl–leucyl) self-assembles to form different structures depending on the medium used. The molecular organization of gels was studied by the methods of microscopy, spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry. The organogel of cyclo(leucyl–leucyl) can reversibly change volume during the heating/cooling cycle. We showed the possibility of practical application of cyclo(leucyl–leucyl) for water purification. The results obtained give a new insight into the mechanism of gelation with cyclo(dipeptide)-based low-molecular-weight gelators and may be useful for the preparation of new physical gels.