Synthesis and self-assembly of unconventional C3-symmetrical trisubstituted triphenylenes

Abstract

Triphenylene-based self-assembly modules, bearing three amide groups at the 1-, 5-, and 9-positions, were designed and synthesized. Supramolecular gels could be constructed by combining hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions. In addition, the assembly exhibited liquid crystalline mesophases by tuning of the length of the alkyl chains. This work provides an essential representative of functional assembly based on C₃-symmetric triphenylenes.