Coordination-induced gelation of an L-glutamic acid Schiff base derivative: the anion effect and cyanide-specific selectivity.

By rational assembly of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) with G, three metallogels (ZnG, CuG and Zn-CuG) were prepared. The gelation was controlled by the presence of specific anions, with their efficacy linked to the Hofmeister series. Zn-CuG could fluorescently detect CN(-) with specific selectivity over S(2-) and Cys through the competitive coordination of CN(-) and G with Cu(2+).