New low-molecular-mass gelators based on L-lysine: Amphiphilic gelators and water-soluble organogelators

The new L-lysine alkali-metal salts 1-5 (M+ = Na+ and K+) with different alkyl groups at the NI-position were easily synthesized, and their hydro- and organogelation properties were investigated. All compounds were H2O-soluble, and some salts, especially the potassium salts, functioned as a hydrogenator that could gel water below 2 wt-%. These salts also had organogelation abilities for many organic solvents.