L-lysine based gemini organogelators: their organogelation properties and thermally stable organogels

Novel gemini organogelators based on L-lysine, in which two L-lysine derivatives are linked by different alkylene chain lengths through the amide bond, have been simply and effectively synthesized, and their organogelation abilities and thermal stabilities have been investigated. In a series of L-lysine ethyl ester derivatives, the organogelation abilities decreased with increasing alkylene spacer length. In particular, bis(N(epsilon)-lauroyl-L-lysine ethyl ester) oxalyl amide is a good organogelator that gels most organic solvents such as alcohols, cyclic ethers, aromatic solvents and acetonitrile. Various oxalyl amide derivatives with different alkyl ester groups such as hexyl, decyl, dodecyl, 2-ethyl-1-hexyl and 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl also showed good organogelation abilities. Furthermore, it was found that the cyclohexane gels formed by some oxalyl amide derivatives have a high thermal stability.