Investigation on Self-Assembly in Binary Organogels Containing Benzimidazole/Benzothiazole and Alkyl Substituent Acids

Abstract

The gelation behaviors and self-assembly of organogels composed of benzimidazole/benzothiazole derivatives and benzoic acid with single/multi-alkyl substituent chain in various organic solvents were investigated. Their gelation behaviors in 20 solvents were tested as new organic gelators. It showed that the number and length of alkyl substituent chains, and benzimidazole/benzothiazole segment, have played a crucial role in the gelation behavior of all gelator mixtures in various organic solvents. More alkyl chains in molecular skeletons in present gelators are favorable for the gelation of organic solvents. The length of alkyl substituent chains has also played an important role in changing the gelation behaviors and assembly states. Morphological studies revealed that the gelator molecules self-assemble into different aggregates from wrinkle, lamella, belt, to fiber with change of solvents.