A mini review: supramolecular gels based on calix[4]arene derivatives

Supramolecular gels, materials with reversible phase that respond to external stimuli, form via multiple noncovalent interactions of gelator/gelator or gelator/solvent. Calix[4]arene, with an adjustable cavity and multiple modified sites, enriches the properties of supramolecular gels. The synthesis and properties of calix[4]arene supramolecular gels will be discussed and reviewed. There are three methods for constructing calix[4]arene supramolecular gels: (1) using cation- or anion-directed and assisted calix[4]arene derivatives to build a gel network; (2) using a calix[4]arene derivative and another compound together to construct a binary supramolecular gel; and (3) forming a calix[4]arene derivative self-assembled gel network. Moreover, increased interest has been shown in the application of calix[4]arene supramolecular gels.