Coordination structure changes of linear cobalt(II) triazole complexes induced by binding of long-chained alcohols: Adaptive molecular clefts

Lipophilic, linear cobalt(II) triazole complex Co(1)(3)Cl-2 in chloroform shows sol-to-gel transition upon addition of long-chained alcohols. Binding of alcohol molecules induces coordination structure changes (octahedral, Oh to tetrahedral, T-d), which promotes aggregation of nanofibers and concomitant physical gelation. The surface of lipophilic, linear complexes provides binding sites for guest molecules, which is referred to as adaptive molecular clefts.