Low molecular weight gelators (LMWG), gel in a variety of solvents through a self-assembly process that forms a semi-organized network of entrapped solvent.  These LMWGs have medical and industrial applications, and therefore, have sparked interest in the design and synthesis of these molecules.  Our research has already demonstrated gelation in organic solvents, when 0.5 equivalent of a metal ion was added to &lt;1-2% of a novel hydrazide-based compound.  The continuing research focuses on the redesign of these hydrazide-based organogelators to incorporate a polyethylene glycol (PEG) unit.  The incorporation of PEG typically increases water solubility and this may allow for our derivatives to form hydrogels.  The synthetic strategies and challenges involved in the design and synthesis of these pegylated compounds will be central to the conversation.

Design and synthesis of potential small molecule hydrogelators

251st National Meeting (2016)

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