An odd–even relationship which appears in the aggregation modes of ‘gemini’-type cholesterol-based gelators and their transcription into silica gel

Four ‘gemini’-type cholesterol-based gelators 1nnn were synthesized. They acted as versatile gelators of organic fluids. The xerogels showed a lamellar structure for 1222 and 1444 and a fiber structure for 133 and 155 according to whether the number of methylene units between the two nitrogens was even or odd. The difference in these organogel supramolecular structures has successfully been transcribed into silica structures by sol–gel polymerization of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in the gel phase. These results indicate that the novel silica structures can be created by transcription of various superstructures in organogels as a template through hydrogen-bonding interaction. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms were measured by a BET method. The silica obtained from 1222 and 133 had a BET surface area of 698 and 525 m2 g−1, respectively. To deposit metals inside the silica structure, sol–gel polymerization was carried out in the presence of metal salts. The metal ions bound to the diamine moiety were thereby deposited inside the silica wall. It is certain that metal-deposited silica will be applicable as catalysts to various reactions, which require a size recognition ability.