Ag-Induced metallogel based on cyclooctatetrathiophene: structural characterization and stimuli-responsive properties

Abstract

Based on saddle-shaped cyclooctathiophene (COTh) as a building block, ligands 2 and 3 were synthesized bearing 3- or 4-substituted pyridyl groups as coordination groups, which showed strong gelation abilities with AgBF₄ in several solvents at room temperature. This Ag⁺-induced metallogel exhibited outstanding stimuli-responsive properties upon addition of halogen ions, acetonitrile or H₂O.