Synthesis, acid-base properties and hydrogel formation studies of a bisquinoline based low molecular weight gelator

Abstract

The research group, where this final degree project was carried out, was interested in the use of molecule QVal3 (see structure below) as a hydrogelator which could be used for entrapment and release of bioactive substances and for the preparation of nano/microparticles. This compound is related to previouslyl reported structures prepared in the group. As a first step towards that goal, this project aims to optimize the synthetic preparation of QVal3 and study its hydrogel formation properties.12, 13 In detail the objectives are the following: i. The synthesis and characterization of QVal3. In particular, optimization of the amide formation step implied in its preparation. ii. Determination of the minimum gelator concentration in aqueous media and evaluation of the influence of the concentration of DMSO present, in a small proportion due to gel preparation procedure, on the gelation efficiency. iii. Evaluation of the acid-base constants of QVal3 to assess the range of pH where the molecule is neutral and prone to aggregation. Likewise, the influence of different amounts of DMSO in the aqueous system on pKa values will be tested.