Proton-conducting supramolecular metallogels from the lowest molecular weight assembler ligand: A quote for simplicity

Oxalic acid has been proven to be the lowest molecular weight organic ligand able to form robust supramolecular metallogel networks in the presence of metal salts. In particular, two novel multifunctional metallogels were readily prepared at room temperature by simple mixing of stock solutions of Cu II acetate monohydrate or CuII perchlorate hexahydrate and oxalic acid dihydrate. Formation of different polymorphs and unprecedented proton conduction under anhydrous conditions were also demonstrated with some of these materials.S.S. acknowledges CSIR, New Delhi, India, for SRF. R.B. acknowledges CSIR, DST, and BRNS for funding. D.D.D. acknowledges CSIC (project PIE 200980I059) and the University of Regensburg (Anschubfinanzierung von Wissenschaftlichen Projekten-2011) for funding. C.C. acknowledges CC Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación—FEDER (project CTQ2010–17436) for funding.Peer Reviewe