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A mini review: supramolecular gels based on calix[4]arene derivatives

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Abstract

Supramolecular gels, materials with reversible phase that respond to external stimuli, form via multiple noncovalent interactions of gelator/gelator or gelator/solvent. Calix[4]arene, with an adjustable cavity and multiple modified sites, enriches the properties of supramolecular gels. The synthesis and properties of calix[4]arene supramolecular gels will be discussed and reviewed. There are three methods for constructing calix[4]arene supramolecular gels: (1) using cation- or anion-directed and assisted calix[4]arene derivatives to build a gel network; (2) using a calix[4]arene derivative and another compound together to construct a binary supramolecular gel; and (3) forming a calix[4]arene derivative self-assembled gel network. Moreover, increased interest has been shown in the application of calix[4]arene supramolecular gels.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No: 21703157, 21702086). Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education in Shaanxi Normal University (2018031) and Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province Department of Education (19JK0295) were greatly acknowledged.

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  1. College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Weinan Normal University, Weinan, 714099, China

    Xiuqin Cai

  2. School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology, Benxi, 117004, China

    Qiuling Zhao

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  1. Xiuqin Cai
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  2. Qiuling Zhao
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Correspondence to Xiuqin Cai.

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Cai, X., Zhao, Q. A mini review: supramolecular gels based on calix[4]arene derivatives. J Incl Phenom Macrocycl Chem 99, 13–22 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10847-020-01032-8

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