Influence of an odd-even relationship on the aggregation modes of "gemini"-type cholestrol-based gelators and their transcription into silica gel

Four "gemini"-type cholesterol-based gelators 1_n were synthesized. They acted as versatile gelators of organic fluids. The xerogels show lamellar structures for 1₂ and 1₄ and fiber structures for 1₃ and 1₅ according to the even or odd number of alkyl chains between two nitrogens. The difference in these organogel supramolecular structures has successfully been transcribed into the silica structures by sol-gel polymerization of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). These results indicate that the novel silica structures can be created by transcription of various superstructures in organogels as a template through the hydrogen-bonding interaction.