Polymorphs from supramolecular gels: four crystal forms of the same silver(I) supergelator crystallized directly from its gels.

A new silver(I) complex with 1-phenyl-3-(quinolin-5-yl)urea has been prepared, acting as a supramolecular supergelator in the presence of polar solvents. In open vials temperature dependent, reversible gel-to-xerogel transition is observed, while in sealed vials direct crystallization of four polymorphs of the same gelling compound is achieved, depending on the gelling solvent.