Synthesis of organogelling, fluoride ion-responsive, cholesteryl-based benzoxazole containing intra- and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding sites

A cholesteryl-based 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPB) derivative 3 linked with an amide bond was prepared through an efficient synthetic pathway. The HPB, amide, and cholesteryl groups play important roles in constructing the supramolecular gel structure. UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy also showed that HPB and amide groups, which provide intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, respectively, also contribute the recognition of fluoride anions.