Fluorescent Supramolecular Gels Based on D-Sorbitol Derivatives

Supramolecular gels formed by low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) are valuable soft materials due to their remarkable versatility and wide range of applications. Developing ambidextrous LMWGs that self-assemble in diverse solvents remains challenging, as such versatility requires precise molecular engineering to ensure robust structuring across varying polarity and hydrogen-bonding environments. Here, we present a family of sugar-based molecules functionalized with naphthyl (DNapS), benzothiadiazole (DBTDS), and coumarin (MCumS) moieties, synthesized by a green, scalable method, which serve as fluorescent LMWGs. Their gelation abilities are evaluated in water, organic solvents of different polarities, and deep eutectic solvents (DES). Among them, MCumS forms gels in water, short-chain alcohols, and terpene-based hydrophobic DES, highlighting its potential as a rare example of an LMWG capable of gelation across chemically diverse environments. Morphological analysis of MCumS gels reveals fibrous network formation in water and distinct, solvent-dependent architectures in eutectogels. Interestingly, supramolecular gels based on this LMWG and zwitterionic DES show superior viscoelastic behavior and injectability. These findings not only expand the library of fluorescent LMWGs but also contribute to the fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships in versatile supramolecular gel systems.