N-Boc-Protected 1,2-Diphenylethylenediamine-Based Dendritic Organogels with Multiple-Stimulus-Responsive Properties

A new class of poly(benzyl ether) dendrimers, decorated in their cores with N‐Boc‐protected 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine groups, were synthesized and fully characterized. It was found that the gelation capability of these dendrimers was highly dependent on dendrimer generation, and the second‐generation dendrimer (R,R)‐G2DPENBoc proved to be a highly efficient organogelator. A number of experiments (SEM, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, rheological measurements, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, CD, and XRD) revealed that these dendritic molecules self‐assembled into elastically interpenetrating one‐dimensional nanostructures in organogels. The hydrogen bonding, π–π, and solvophobic interactions were found to be the main driving forces for formation of the gels. Most interestingly, these dendritic organogels exhibited smart multiple‐stimulus‐responsive behavior upon exposure to environmental stimuli such as temperature, anions, and mechanical stress. Sensitive soul: A new class of poly(benzyl ether) dendrimers with N‐Boc‐protected 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine cores can gel a variety of organic solvents and show excellent gelation properties. Hydrogen‐bonding, π–π, and solvophobic interactions were the main driving forces for gel formation. Interestingly, these organogels responded to environmental stimuli such as temperature, anions, and mechanical stress.