Streamlined approach to a new gelator: inspiration from solid-state interactions for a mercury-induced gelation

A new gelator was discovered by identifying molecular scaffolds exhibiting 1D intermolecular interactions in the solid-state and synthesizing derivatives. Gelation can be triggered by adding Hg(OAc)(2) to a precursor molecule. The in situ gelation is selective for Hg(2+) over other metals.