Thixotropic Supramolecular Gel Based on l-Lysine Derivatives

The dimer l-lysine derivatives, in which two N^α,N^ε-diacyl-l-lysines were crosslinked by calcium ion, were synthesized through a simply synthetic procedure and their gelation properties were examined. These compounds functioned as an organogelator; especially, the gelators possessing both a linear and a branched alkyl chains had the better organogelation ability and formed the thermally stable and rigid organogel. In addition, some organogels had a thixotropic property, which were responsive to a mechanical stimulus and reversibly underwent the gel⁻sol transition at room temperature. The thixotropic behavior was confirmed by visual contact and rheological experiments. Furthermore, it was assumed the mechanism of the thixotropic behavior.