Supramolecular organogels formed by monochain derivatives of succinic acid.

The monoalkyl chain derivatives of succinic acid self-assemble into ordered bilayer aggregates by forming dimers of hydrogen bonded carboxylic acid in a number of organic solvents and finally gelatinize the solvents. The gelation ability of each derivative was inspected. The morphologies of xerogels were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The microstructure of aggregates was studied by small angle X-ray diffraction (SA-XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results reveal that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between neighboring molecules are critical factor in the process of organogelation.