Supramolecular organogel formation triggered by acid–base interaction in two-component system consisting of l-lysine derivative and aliphatic acids

Abstract

The formation of supramolecular organogels using an acid–base interaction was investigated in organogelation systems consisting of N^ε-lauroyl-L-lysine ethyl ester and aliphatic acids. Although the L-lysine derivative and aliphatic acids hardly had any organogelation abilities for organic solvents and oils, the mixing of both solutions led to the formation of organogels. This is induced by the formation of organic salts. The organic salt compounds of N^ε-lauroyl-L-lysine ethyl ester and aliphatic acids also exhibited a good organogelation property for oils. The transmission electron microscopic analysis demonstrates these gelators formed a helical nanofiber and created a three-dimensional network in organogels. The FT-IR studies indicate that the formation of organic salt compounds through an acid–base interaction is an important step for the organogelation.