Synthesis, Gelation Properties and Photopolymerization of Macrocyclic Diacetylenedicarboxamides Derived from <scp>L</scp>‐Glutamic Acid and <i>trans</i>‐1,4‐Cyclohexanediol

Abstract

Abstract Novel macrocyclic diacetylene compounds derived from L ‐glutamic acid and trans ‐1,4‐cyclohexanediol have been synthesized and their gelation ability, photopolymerizability and aggregation state have been studied. Most of the compounds with decyl groups gelatinize hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexene and carbon tetrachloride. Some of the compounds also gelatinize toluene and 2‐propanol. An FTIR spectroscopy study indicated hydrogen‐bonding in the gel state. An X‐ray crystallographic analysis of one of the macrocyclic compounds with methyl groups demonstrated a tubular assembly based on the face‐to‐face packing of the macrocyclic rings as a result of intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding. Upon photoirradiation, most of the gels changed their hue from colourless to red or orange, which suggests photopolymerization of the diacetylene moieties.