Gelation and Structural Transformation Study of Some 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxamide Derivatives

Abstract

Short-chain analogues of N,N',N"-tris-(4-alkylphenyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide derivatives (methyl to butyl) are prepared, and their gelation study renders a positive result for all, except the butyl derivative, in both DMSO and DMSO/H2O. The crystal structure analysis of the parent compound (1a) and its methyl (1b) and butyl (1e) derivatives shows columnar structures. However, a notable difference has been observed within the columnar structures of la or 1b and le. Detailed structural analysis was carried out to reason such varied molecular assemblies, based on the deviation angle of amide groups, along with the aid of some reported examples that reveal the structural transformation of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide derivatives from sheets to different columnar structures. In addition, similarity in the simulated powder pattern of the DMSO adducts of 1a and 1b and the experimental powder pattern of the xerogels of 1a and 1b indicates the possibility of similar packing in both crystals and the fibers of the gel.