Anion influenced self-assembly of stilbazolium derivative and acid-sensitive property of its corresponding gel

Two stilbazolium derivatives with different counter-anions (Br- and OH-) have been designed and synthesised. Different counter-anions cause different aggregation properties. The reason of this difference was investigated through concentration-and temperature-dependent H-1 NMR and IR spectra. When the counter-anion is OH-, the stilbazolium derivative exhibits pronounced aggregation properties. The scanning electron microscope images of xerogels show the characteristic gelation morphologies of 3D fibrous network structures. X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy studies have been carried out, and provide more information to define the molecular packing model in gelation states. Finally, the acid-sensing abilities of the xerogel film were studied.