Rational Design of Low Molecular Mass Organogelators: Toward a Library of FunctionalN-Acyl-1,ω-Amino Acid Derivatives

N-Acyl amino acids RCONH(CH2)nCOOR1 represent a new family of organogelators that can be obtained in a combinatorial approach from libraries of activated acids and amino acids. The amounts required for gel formation (see picture) in solvents such as DMF are less than 1 mg mL−1 and the gels formed are very stable. n=5, 7, 10, 12; R=aromatic or aliphatic group; R1=H or alkali metal (Na).