Symmetrical halogenated and alkylated alditol derivatives and compositions and articles containing same

A solid gelled composition comprising:

• (a) about 0.25% to about 10% of a gelling agent selected from at least one di-acetal of an alditol (such as sorbitol, xylitol, and ribitol) and mixtures thereof;
• said di-acetal of the alditol having the structure (II)
• wherein p is 0, 1, or 2, R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and fluorine;
• R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and chlorine;
• with the proviso that one and only one of R1 and R2 is selected from chlorine, bromine, and iodine, and one and only one of R3 and R4 is the same chlorine, bromine or iodine as the R1 or R2 group, such that the entire compound is symmetrical;
• and
• (b) from about 10% to about 98% of a solvent for said gelling agent.