Synthesis and study of N-acetyl d-glucosamine triazole derivatives as effective low molecular weight gelators

Sugar based low molecular weight gelators have many potential uses for the formation of advanced soft materials. Here we have synthesized a series of peracetylated d-glucosamine triazole derivatives via the Cu catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAc) and studied their self-assembling properties in several organic solvents, aqueous solutions, and water. Among the sixteen compounds synthesized and studied, many were able to function as organogelators for multiple solvents. Also seven compounds were able to form hydrogels at low concentrations such as 0.2–1.0 wt %. These indicate that peracetylated d-glucosamine triazole analogs are effective small molecular gelators.