Racemic alkylamides of trans-cyclohexane-β-amino acids surpass the gelation ability of their pure enantiomers. From macroscopic behavior to microscopic structure

Abstract

We describe the excellent gelation capabilities of amides derived from trans-cyclohexaneβ-amino acid, demonstrating their great potential to generate lypogels in a wide variety of solvents. Structural factors affecting this behavior, like modifying the balance between their hydrophilic/hydrophobic moieties (by changing their alkyl chain length) or their enantiomeric composition (enantiomerically pure compounds vs. racemic mixtures) were investigated. A comprehensive structural analysis ranging from microscopic arrangements to their macroscopic structures is also discussed