Metal coordination as a tool for controlling the self-assembling and gelation properties of novel type cholic amide–phenanthroline gelating agent

(3α,7α,12α)-Trihydroxy-N-[1,10-phenanthrolin-5-yl]-5β-cholan-24-amide was found to be a powerful gelating agent for methanol–water in gelator to solvent ratio starting from 0.1% in absence of metal ion. Formation of phenanthroline–zinc (II) 2:1 complex changes dramatically gelating properties; when stored, it dissolves into clear solution without Tyndall effect and this solution, when heated to ca. 70°C reversibly forms a gel again, without chemical change as proven by NMR spectrometry. Structures of the gels of cholic amide–phenanthroline and its Zn2+ complex were studied by SEM.