Structural characterization, gelation ability, and energy-framework analysis of two bis(long-chain ester)-substituted 4,4'-biphenyl compounds.

There are few examples of single-crystal structure determinations of gelators, as gel formation requires that the dissolved gelator self-assemble into a three-dimensional network structure incorporating solvent via noncovalent interactions rather than self-assembly followed by crystallization. In the solid-state structures of the isostructural compounds 4,4'-bis[5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentyloxy]biphenyl (BBO6-Me), C26 H34 O6 , and 4,4'-bis[5-(ethoxycarbonyl)pentyloxy]biphenyl (BBO6-Et), C28 H38 O6 , the molecules sit on a crystallographically imposed center of symmetry, resulting in strictly coplanar phenyl rings. BBO6-Me behaves as an organogelator in various alcohol solvents, whereas BBO6-Et does not. The extended structure reveals bundles of molecules that form a columnar superstructure. Framework-energy calculations reveal much stronger interaction energies within the columns (-52 to -78 kJ mol-1 ) than between columns (-2 to -16 kJ mol-1 ). The intracolumnar interactions are dominated by a dispersion component, whereas the intercolumnar interactions have a substantial electrostatic component.