New organogelators based on linear azapolycyclic arenes

Linear 2,3-di-n-alkoxy-azapolycyclic arenes are shown to act as potent gela tors for a variety of organic liquids. This outstanding property is restric ted to molecules that have no nitrogen atoms on the 1,4 positions. The read ily accessible 5,12-diazatetracenes form thermoreversible gels which do not involve hydrogen bonding and open up new prospects for larger scale applic ations. Their gel-forming abilities and colouration can be sligthly tuned b y variation in acidic conditions.