Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-01193

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Salt complexation drives liquid crystalline self-assembly in crown ether–amino acid hybrids

Raab, A. R. ; Grießer, T. R. ; Rück, D. ; Li, Z. ; Zens, A. ; Bruckner, J. R. ; Huber, P. (Corresponding author)Extern*DESY* ; Schönhals, A. ; Szymoniak, P. ; Laschat, S.

2026
RSC London ˜[u.a.]œ

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1039/D5TC04129E

Abstract: Crown ether–amino acid hybrids represent a promising class of amphiphilic molecules combining ionrecognition with self-assembly capabilities. Despite extensive studies on their binding properties, theinfluence of inorganic salt complexation on their liquid crystalline behaviour remains underexplored.Here we synthesized amphiphilic [18]-crown-6 derivatives of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine and tetrahydroisoquinolineanalogues, systematically investigating the effects of alkyl chain length and salt type onmesophase formation. Complexation with various salts induced liquid crystalline phases, transitioningfrom smectic A to columnar hexagonal structures as anion size and alkyl chain length increased.Structural analyses and electron density mapping revealed assembly into charged superdiscs formingcolumnar stacks with tunable ion channels. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy highlighted differences inmolecular mobility and conductivity linked to molecular design. These findings establish saltcomplexation as a key strategy to control self-assembly and ion transport in crown ether–amino acidhybrids, advancing their potential in responsive soft materials and ion-conductive applications.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. CIMMS-RA Center for integr. Multiscale M (CIMMS)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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