A "keto-enol tautomerization"-based response mechanism: a novel approach to stimuli-responsive supramolecular gel.

A novel approach to stimuli-responsive gel termed the "keto-enol tautomerization"-based response mechanism was proposed. By tautomerization, vinyl ketone-based gelator G3 can be self-assembled into an organogel (OG3) accompanied by strong AIE. OG3 shows reversible dual-channel response for S(2-). The response process is based on the reversible deprotonation of the enol moiety in the tautomerized gelator G3'.