An organometallic super-gelator with multiple-stimulus responsive properties

A super-gelator for cyclohexane is presented, one of four cholesterol-appended ferrocene derivatives specifically designed and prepared as new low-molecular-weight organogelators. The gel forming from this system can be molded into films, forms at room temperature, and is responsive to various stimuli (see figure), including heating, shaking, sonication, and chemical oxidation, which endows it with promising potential applications.