Efficient Hydro- and Organogelation by Minimalistic Diketopiperazines Containing a Highly Insoluble Aggregation-Induced, Blue-Shifted Emission Luminophore**

We report the synthesis, gelation abilities and aggregation-induced, blue-shifted emission (AIBSE) properties of two minimalistic diketopiperazine-based gelators. Despite containing a highly insoluble luminophore that makes up more than half of their respective molecular masses, efficient hydrogelation by multiple stimuli for one and efficient organogelation for the other compound are reported. Insights into the aggregation and gelation properties were gained through examination of the photophysical and material properties of selected gels, which are representative of the different modes of gelation. The synthesis of the gelators is highly modular and based on readily available amino acid building blocks, allowing the efficient and rapid diversification of these core structures and fine-tuning of gel properties.

Automated summary

Two minimalistic diketopiperazine-based gelators with efficient gelation abilities through multiple stimuli for hydrogelation and organogelation, respectively, were reported. Insights into the aggregation and gelation properties were gained through examination of the photophysical and material properties of selected gels, representative of different modes of gelation. The modular synthesis of gelators based on readily available amino acid building blocks allows efficient diversification and fine-tuning of gel properties.