Triple-transforming gel prepared by β-cyclodextrin, diphenylamine and lithium chloride in N,N-dimethylacetamide

This paper describes a triple-transforming gel system (gel–sol–gel′) for the first time, which is a thermo-responsive and multi-component organogel prepared by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), diphenylamine (DPA) and lithium chloride (LiCl) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) in a suitable proportion based on the supramolecular interactions. In the triple-transforming gel system, a gel (gel A) could be formed by β-CD, DPA and LiCl in DMAC at room temperature based on stirring, then the gel could transform into a clear solution based on heating, and then the other gel (gel B) can be formed at a relatively high temperature (Tgel, the gelation temperature by heating). The two gel states in the triple-transforming gel system have different microstructures. This gel system was characterized by OM, SEM, IR and rheology.