Universal Glucose-based Low-molecular-weight Gelators for Both Organic and Aqueous Solvents

Herein we report the one-step syntheses of three novel sugar-based low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) consisting of hydrocarbon chains and glucose units. These synthesized glucose derivatives function as gelators for various solvents, including water. The gel morphologies were observed using field emission-scanning electron microscopy. These glucose-based LMWGs are thermotropic and thixotropic in nature. Large-scale synthesis of one of the glucose-based gelators possessing excellent gelation abilities for various solvents has also been demonstrated.