Wholly π-Conjugated Low-Molecular-Weight Organogelator That Displays Triple-Channel Responses to Fluoride Ions

A novel salicylidene aniline-based wholly pi-conjugated molecule that could be self-assembled into an organogel was synthesized. The rigid organogel collapsed into fluid solutions with significant changes in UV-vis absorption and fluorescence colors in response to fluoride ions. It was found that the hydroxyl group in the salicyliclene aniline moiety played a key role not only in the gelation but also in fluoride ion responses.