Design of Benzocoumarin-Based Small Molecular Gelators in CN ^– Recognition, Oil Spill Recovery, and Dye Adsorption through Phase-Selective Gelation

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Lauryl and cholesterol carbonate-linked benzocoumarin conjugates 1 and 2 have been designed, synthesized, and successfully established as supramolecular gelators. Both show gelation in DMF–H 2 O (2:1, v/v), DMSO–H 2 O (2:1, v/v), hexane, and fuel oil such as petrol, kerosene, and diesel. The aggregation behavior is explained spectroscopically. The gels are stable and exhibit good viscoelastic properties. The storage modulus ( G ’) in each gel is considerably higher than the loss modulus ( G ″). The higher value of crossover point for the gel of 1 compared to the gel of 2 demonstrates the better gelation behavior of 1 over 2 in DMF–H 2 O (2:1, v/v) and DMSO–H 2 O (2:1, v/v). FESEM images reveal a fibrous morphology with different packings. Gels are anion-responsive. DMF–H 2 O (2:1, v/v) gels of 1 and 2 recognize selectively CN – ion over a series of other anions involving a gel-to-gel color change. Owing to the phase-selective gelation (PSG) abilities, both 1 and 2 respond to oil spill recovery. Additionally, gelator 1 removes the cationic dye from water via phase-selective gelation.