SYNTHESIS AND MESOMORPHIC PROPERTIES OF PALLADIUM CHELATES OF LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYSILOXANE WITH β-DIKETONE-BASED SIDE CHAINS

A new type of palladium chelate of β-diketone-based side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (Pd-DKLCP) has been synthesized by chelation reaction of palladium dichloride with polymeric ligand, β-diketone polysiloxane (DKLCP), using THF as solvent at R.T.. The Pd-chelation results in greatly increasing the phase transition temperature T_K and the enthalpy change △H_K from crystal to liquid crystal state and making the temperature range of LC state △T(△T=T_(Cl)-T_K) widened. All these chelates Pd-DKLCP's do not show T_(Cl) until decomposition at 205℃. It is noteworthy that the Pd-chelation can exert more positive effect on the mesomorphic behaviour of the polymer ligand than the counterpart Cu-DKLCP does. It is probable due to the bigger size of disc-like mesogen formed from β-diketone and Pd~(+2) ion with 4d orbital.     

SYNTHESIS AND MESOMORPHIC PROPERTIES OF FISHBONE-LIKE LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYSILSESQUIOXANES——Ⅰ. FISHBONE-LIKE, β-DIKETONE-BASED LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYSILSESQUIOXANES AND THEIR COPPER COMPLEXES*

Two kinds of fishbone-like, β-diketone-based liquid crystalline polysilsesquioxanes(FBDKLCP'S), homopolymeric (H-FBDKLCP) and copolymeric (C-FBDKaLCP) have been first synthesized via the hydrosilylation reaction of a vinyl-terminated β-diketone with the homopolymeric ladderlike polyhydrosilsesquioxane (LPHSQ) and random copolymethylhydrosilsesquioxane (LRPMHSQ) respectively. These new kinds of FBDKLCP with M of 10~4 is thermotroic liquid crystalline polymer and its clearing temperatures T_i's and mesophase range △T's are much higher than those of the corresponding comb-like β-diketone liquid crystalline polysiloxane (DKLCP) by about 200℃. Similar results have been observed with the comparison of the two different structure Cu-coordinating compounds The significant increases in T_((?))'s and △T's of the FBDKLCP and Cu-FBDKLCP are mainly attributed to the great rigidity of the ladderlike polysilsesquioxane backbone.     

Palladium complexes of side‐chain liquid crystal polymers with T‐shaped two‐dimensional mesogenic units

A series of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) with T‐shaped two‐dimensional mesogenic units were synthesized via solution polycondensation. The LCPs were used as ligand polymers to coordinate with palladium dichloride, by which a series of polymeric palladium complexes were prepared. The liquid crystalline behaviors of the compounds were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The entire palladium complexes went to liquid crystal phase when heated to their melting temperature (T _m), and a threaded texture was observed. The melting point of all the complexes changes regularly with the increase of the end alkoxy group length and the flexible spacer unit in the ligand polymer. It is worth noting that some of the complexes without end substituent groups in the ligand polymer were also found to show liquid crystal behaviors, which would be a subject for further investigation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF METAL COMPLEXES OF β-DIKETONE BASED SIDE CHAIN LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYSILOXANE

A new type of metal coordinated liquid crystalline polymers has been synthesized by complexation of metal ions with β-diketone based side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (DKLCP). The complexation of copper ions with DKLCP greatly increases the phase transition temperature T_k from crystalline state to liquid crystalline state and T_(cl) from LC to isotropic state and makes the range of phase transition ΔT (ΔT=T_(cl)-T_k) widened. These complexes are soluble in common organic solvents. However, the incorporation of europium ions into DKLCP molecules gives rise to reduction in liquid crystallinity and crosslinking in some cases. The DKLCP coordinated with suitable amount of Eu ions can show good liquid crystallinity and fluorescent property.     

Effect of lateral substituents on the mesomorphic properties of side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxanes containing 4-[(S)-2-methyl-1-butoxy]phenyl 4-(alkenyloxy)benzoate side groups

The synthesis of side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxanes containing either 4-[(S)-2-methyl-1-butoxy]phenyl 4-(alkenyloxy)benzoate or laterally fluoro-, chloro-, bromo-, and methoxy-substituted 4-[(S)-2-methyl-1-butoxy]phenyl 4-(alkenyloxy)benzoate mesogenic side groups is presented. The mesomorphic properties of the synthesized polymers have been characterized by optical polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The effects of spacer length and lateral substituent on the mesomorphic properties of the obtained polymers are examined. The five polymers which contain three methylene units in the spacers show no mesophase, while the five polymers which contain eleven methylene units in the spacer display smectic mesomorphism. Among the other fifteen polymers which contain respectively four, five, or six methylene units in the spacers, those with small fluoro and chloro substituents reveal respectively an S_A phase, while those with bulky bromo and methoxy substituents show no liquid crystalline behavior. The experimental results demonstrate that introducing a bulky lateral substituent into the mesogenic core of a polymer depresses the tendency to form a mesophase. Furthermore, the technique of thermally stimulated current has been used to study the dipolar relaxation mechanisms in a side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 2793–2800, 1997     

New hydrocarbon side chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers: Synthesis,characterization, and thermotropic behavior

A series of new and high-purity hydrocarbon liquid crystal monomers were synthesized through the acylation reaction, deoxygenation reaction, and Grignard reaction. ¹H-NMR spectra and elemental analyses were used to examine their purity. The liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers were obtained by grafting the monomers onto poly(methylhydrosiloxane). The thermal transition temperature, mesomorphic properties, and mesophase textures of the monomers and the polymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (dsc), polarized optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, we observed the even–odd effect of the smectic/isotropic transition temperature with the length variation of the substituents. In this study, we found by X-ray diffraction that the liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers undergo a transition from smectic B to smectic E mesophase. However, dsc has difficulty detecting the phase transition process. By considering the spin–lattice relaxation time (T₁), we can systematically explain the relation between the flexibility of the substituent with the smectic/isotropic transition temperature. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2849–2863, 1998     

A series of azo-type side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane–palladium complexes

A series of azo-type side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxanes (AZLCPs) were synthesized, starting from organic polysiloxane and azo-type mesogenic compounds having an end allyl group. The AZLCPs were further used to coordinate with palladium dichloride and potassium chloride, by which a series of palladium complexes of AZLCPs (Pd–AZLCPs) were prepared. The mesogenic properties of all of the liquid crystalline polymers were characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized microscope and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. It was found that all of the polymer ligands and their palladium complexes showed thermotropic liquid crystallinity and that the incorporation of the palladium ions gave positive effects to the mesogenic properties of their polymer ligand counterpart. Compared with the corresponding AZLCPs, the Pd–AZLCPs have higher isotropization temperatures and a broader mesophase temperature range. The mesogenic properties of the liquid crystalline polymer ligands and their palladium complexes were also varied gradually by changing the length of the alkoxy groups on the side chain. The polymers that have a color emissive group and a highly flexible polysiloxane main chain may potentially be used as nonlinear optical materials.     

Supramolecular hydrogen-bonded liquid–crystalline polymer complexes. Design of side-chain polymers and a host–guest system by noncovalent interaction

Supramolecular liquid–crystalline polymeric complexes based on a backbone that contains vinyl pyridine units and azobenzene or biphenyl derivatives that posses alkyl chains terminated by carboxylic acid have been obtained by the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the carboxylic acid and the pyridyl moieties. The polymeric complexes behave as side-chain liquid–crystalline polymers and exhibit smectic phases. A new type of H-bonded host-guest liquid–crystalline system is also reported. The liquid–crystalline host copolymers contain both mesogenic acrylate and 4-vinylpyridine units. The guest molecule is an azobenzene that has a carboxylic acid moiety at one of its extremities. The H-bonded polymeric host–guest complexes exhibit nematic phases. Sequential UV and visible light irradiation of the polymeric complex causes reversible photochemically induced phase transitions. The isothermal nematic–isotropic and isotropic–nematic transitions result from the trans-cis and cis-trans photoisomerization of the guest azobenzene in the host–guest system. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

SYNTHESIS OF SIDE-CHAIN LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYSILOXANE CONTAINING SCHIFF′S BASE MESOGENS WITH NO2-END GROUP AND ITS BEHAVIOR IN A DC ELECTRIC FIELD

A side chain liquid crystalline copolysiloxane, which would show electro-optic effects as known from low mass liquid crystal, was synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction, and the two homologous monomers with different length spacers containing Schiff's base mesogen with—NO_2 terminated group were grafted toa polysiloxane main chain. Residual monomer in crude product is effective in reinforcing the response to an electric field over that of pure polymeric liquid crystal.     

Thermotropic main chain liquid crystalline polyesters containing ferrocene and phosphate units: synthesis and characterization

A new series of liquid crystalline main chain copolyesters were prepared, having ferrocene in the mesogenic segment and a methyl phosphate group along with a methylene spacer. The even numbered methylene groups were varied from two to ten. Liquid crystalline behaviour was investigated on a hot stage optical polarized microscope. Thermal properties of the polymers were analysed by TGA and DSC, revealing that the polymers yield high char products, probably caused by the formation of phosphorus and iron oxides. The glass transition (T _g) temperatures of the polymers were found to be fairly low, the result of the incorporation of bulky phosphorus and ferrocene moieties in the chain. The phase behaviour was analysed and correlated with the structure of the polymers. The liquid crystalline textures of the polymers became more transparent with increasing spacer length. Energy minimized structures for the polymer repeating units reveal that both the ferrocene and phosphorus moieties produce more molecular entanglement, thus reducing the T _g and T _m of the polymers.     

Side-chain liquid crystalline copolymers with non-mesogenic comonomers – influence of comonomer content on the nature of the mesophase

Statistical copolymers with mesogenic and non-mesogenic comonomer units were synthesized by partial hydroboration of the 1,2-units of polybutadiene and subsequent conversion of the alcohol groups to mesogenic units. The nature of the LC phase proves to be dependent on the mesogen content. Below a certain content the smectic C phase vanishes, and the polymer becomes cypotactic nematic. T_g, T_s,n, T_n,i and ΔH_s,n depend on the mesogen content, whereas ΔH_n,i is independent. No difference can be detected between the phase behaviour of homopolymers and ABA-triblock copolymers with a liquid crystalline B-block and 10 wt.-% polystyrene A-blocks.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties and optical behaviour analysis of homologous series azobenzene liquid crystal monomer with polar substituents

ABSTRACT

Twenty novel azobenzene liquid crystal micromolecular compounds named ω-[4-(p-substituted azobenzeneoxy carbonyl]acid (X-ABCnA) have been designed and synthesised, followed by studies on the thermal performance and mesomorphic properties of the compounds. The liquid crystal compounds were divided into five homologous series based on the terminal substituents R (R = CH₃O, CH₃, H, Cl, NO₂). In each series, the number of carbons on flexible chain was 4, 6, 8 and 10, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and elementary analysis demonstrated that the structure of the synthesised azobenzene liquid crystal compounds was consistent with the molecular design. The mesomorphic properties were tested, analysed and characterised by using differential scanning calorimetry and polarised optical microscopy. The melting transition (T _m) of all the compounds in homologous series with different substituents appeared to decrease with the increase of carbon numbers on flexible chains. The same held true for the temperature of isotropic-mesophase/crystalline transition. The compounds with stronger polarity of terminal substituents were more likely to form broader mesogenic ranges. The liquid crystal compounds discussed in this work can be regarded as a reference for the synthesis of mesogenic arms participating in the synthesis of novel multi-arm liquid crystalline macromolecules and polymers.     

Curing of a rigid rod epoxy resin with an aliphatic diacid: an example of a lightly crosslinked liquid crystalline thermoset

By reacting a rigid rod epoxy terminated molecule (p-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-α-methylstilbene) with an aliphatic carboxylic acid (decanedioic acid), a lightly crosslinked liquid crystalline network is obtained. This network exhibits a smectic-like phase. While the mesophasic structure resulted “frozen” by the crosslinks in the case of higly crosslinked liquid crystalline epoxy resins, in this case a reversible transition from the liquid crystalline to the isotropic phase is observed. Moreover, while curing the same rigid rod epoxy molecule with amines resulted in a thermoset with a nematic structure, in this case a more ordered mesophase can be obtained. Preliminary results show that it is possible to orient macroscopically the mesogenic chains by stretching thin films above the glass transition temperature (T_g) and then quickly cooling down to the glassy state. This makes this material very attractive in the field of optical applications.     

Thiacalixarene Appended Azo-based Supramolecular Systems: Self-assembly and Photo Tuning Reversible Liquid Crystalline Properties

Four new azo-based supramolecular materials containing thiacalixarene core substituted by variable alkoxy groups ( TFA₁ – TFA₄ ) have been designed and synthesized for the mesomorphic and photoswitching properties. The liquid crystalline behavior were accomplished by using DSC, POM, and XRD studies. All azo-based thiacalixarene based materials with short and higher chain length display columnar hexagonal mesophase with broad temperature range. The thermal behavior of all the materials was investigated by DSC and TGA study. The structural and conformational study of the lower rim functionalized materials was confirmed by using different techniques. These thiacalixarene moulded liquid crystalline compounds shows columnar self-assembly type behavior and higher thermal stability. The introduction of bi-substituted azo-ester network towards the lower rim of thiacalixarene core has impact on the electron delocalization and liquid crystalline properties. The photoswitching properties suggested cis and trans azo-isomerization under radiation of UV light and higher thermal back relaxation time. The mesogenic behaviour of compound TFA₂ and TFA₄ were demolished by the influence of cis and trans isomerization. The structure-property correlation is studied to understand the variation in mesogenic properties with the substitution of variable alkoxy side chain.     

含X-型二维液晶基元和冠醚环的液晶共聚酯的研究

合成了一系列新的含X-型二维液晶基元和反式-4,4'-双(4-羟基苯基偶氮)二苯并-14-冠-4冠醚环的主链型液晶共聚酯. 通过GPC, [η], DSC, TG, WAXD和POM对其液晶性研究发现, 所有的共聚酯都呈现出向列相的丝状织构或纹影织构. 共聚酯的熔融温度(T_m)和各向同性温度(T_i)随共聚酯分子中反式-4,4'-双(4-羟基苯基偶氮)二苯并-14-冠-4用量的改变呈规律性变化.     

Effect of diphenylsiloxane unit content on relaxation behavior of poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diphenylsiloxane)

The relaxation behaviors of poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diphenylsiloxane)s with different compositions were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is indicated that the content of Ph₂SiO unit, which is closely associated with crystallinity of polysiloxane, has a remarkable influence on its relaxation behavior. Two‐phase (crystalline and amorphous phase) structure in the semicrystalline polysiloxane of the present system can be determined for discussing relaxation behavior. An increase in relaxation strength can be reasoned to a cooperative effect of decrease in fraction of crystalline phase and increase in friction between molecular chains. And enhancements in glass transition temperature (T_g) and effective activation energy for glass transition (E_a(eff)) were ascribed more to the stiffness imposed by Ph₂SiO unit than decrease in fraction of crystalline phase. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1652–1659, 2008     

Studies on thermotropic main chain liquid crystalline segmented polyurethanes I. Synthesis and properties of polyurethanes from high aspect ratio mesogenic diol as chain extender

Thermotropic main chain liquid crystalline polyurethanes were prepared from 4-{[4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenylimino]methyl}benzoic acid 4-{[4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenylimino]methyl}phenyl ester (mesogenic diol) and 1,6-hexamethylene di-isocyanate. The effects of partial replacement of the mesogenic diol by 20-50 mol% of poly(tetramethylene oxide)glycol (PTMG) of varying molecular mass (M _n =650, 1000, 2000) on the liquid crystalline properties were studied. Structural characterization was carried out by FTIR spectroscopy and the molecular mass distribution was determined by GPC. Differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage polarizing optical microscopy were used to study the mesomorphic properties. It was observed that the partial replacement of the mesogenic diol by PTMG of varying molecular masses influenced the phase transitions and the occurrence of mesophase textures. When the molecular mass of PTMG was enhanced, a higher content of mesogenic agent was needed to obtain liquid crystalline properties.     

Segmented polyurethanes with 4,4′-bis-(6-hydroxyhexoxy)biphenyl as chain extender. Part 2. Synthesis and properties of MDI-polyurethanes in comparison with 2,4-TDI-polyurethanes

Linear segmented polyurethanes based on poly(butylene adipate)s (PBA) of different molecular weight (M_n 2000, 1000, and 600), 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and the mesogenic diol 4,4′-bis-(6-hydroxyhexoxy)biphenyl (BHHBP) as well as the unsegmented polyurethane consisting of MDI/BHHBP units have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹³C-NMR and SEC. The thermal behavior and the morphology were studied by DSC, polarizing microscopy, and DMA. The properties of the MDI-polyurethanes were discussed in relation to the BHHBP chain extended 2,4-TDI-polyurethanes and common 1,4-butanediol chain-extended MDI products. MDI polyurethanes based on PBA (M_n 2000) exhibit a glass transition temperature T_g of about −40°C independent of the hard segment content up to ∼50% hard segments. At higher hard segment contents increasing T_gs were observed. Polyurethanes, based on the shorter polyester soft segments PBA (M_n 1000 or 600), reveal an increase in the glass transition temperatures with growing hard segment content. The thermal transitions caused by melting of the MDI/BHHBP hard segment domains are found at 50 K higher temperatures in comparison with the analogous TDI products with mesogenic BHHBP/TDI hard segments. Shortening of the PBA chain length causes a shift of the thermal transitions to lower temperatures. Polarizing microscopy experiments indicate that liquid crystalline behavior is influenced by both the content of mesogenic hard segments and the chain length of the polyester. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a New Macrocyclic Polysiloxane-immobilized Ligand System

Summary. A new porous solid macrocyclic 1,4,7,11,14-pentaazapentadecane-3,15-dione polysiloxane ligand system of the general formula P–(CH₂)₃–C₁₁H₂₂O₂N₅ (where P represents [Si–O]_n siloxane network) has been prepared by the reaction of polysiloxane-immobilized iminobis(N-(2-aminoethyl)acetamide) with 1,3-dibromopropane. The FTIR and XPS results confirm the introduction of the macrocyclic functional ligand group into the polysiloxane network. The new macrocyclic polysiloxane ligand system exhibits high potential for the uptake of metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺).     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a New Macrocyclic Polysiloxane-immobilized Ligand System

A new porous solid macrocyclic 1,4,7,11,14-pentaazapentadecane-3,15-dione polysiloxane ligand system of the general formula P–(CH₂)₃–C₁₁H₂₂O₂N₅ (where P represents [Si–O]_n siloxane network) has been prepared by the reaction of polysiloxane-immobilized iminobis(N-(2-aminoethyl)acetamide) with 1,3-dibromopropane. The FTIR and XPS results confirm the introduction of the macrocyclic functional ligand group into the polysiloxane network. The new macrocyclic polysiloxane ligand system exhibits high potential for the uptake of metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺).