Azo compounds and Schiff 's bases derived from 5-(4-pyridyl)-2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole: synthesis, mesomorphic properties and structural study by semi-empirical calculations

The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of new Schiff 's bases (series 3a-f) and azo compounds (4a-f) incorporating pyridine and 1,3,4-thiadiazole rings are reported. The first homologues in the series of Schiff's bases (3a-c) show a monotropic mesophase and the homologues 3d-f display an enantiotropic SmA phase. The only azo compounds to exhibit liquid crystalline properties are the homologues 4e, f which show a monotropic nematic phase. These series are compared with Schiff's bases and azo compounds analogues (series 5 and 6), previously reported by us and an AM1 study of the structure/mesomorphic property relationship is described.     

The synthesis and liquid crystalline behaviour of alkoxy-substituted derivatives of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene

Despite the prevalence of organised 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives in molecular electronics, the interest in the photophysics of these systems and the common occurrence of phenylethynyl moeties in molecules that exhibit liquid crystalline phases, the phase behaviour of simple alkoxy-substituted 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives has not yet been described. Two series of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives, i.e. 1-[(4'-alkoxy)phenylethynyl]-4-(phenylethynyl)benzenes (5a-5f) and methyl 4-[(4'-alkoxy)phenylethynyl-4'-(phenylethynyl)] benzoates (18a-18f) [alkoxy = n-C₄H₉ (a), n-C₆H₁₃ (b), n-C₉H₁₉ (c), n-C₁₂H₂₅ (d), n-C₁₄H₂₉ (e), n-C₁₆H₃₃ (f)] have been prepared and characterised. Both series have good chemical stability at temperatures up to 210°C, the derivatives featuring the methyl ester head-group (18a-18f) offering rather higher melting points and generally stabilising a more diverse range of mesophases at higher temperatures than those found for the simpler compounds (5a-5f). Smectic phases are stabilised by the longer alkoxy substituents, whereas for short and intermediate chain lengths of the simpler system (5a-5c) nematic phases dominate. Diffraction analysis was used to identify the SmB_hex phase in (5d-5f) that is stable within a temperature range of approximately 120-140°C. The relationships between the organisation of molecules within these moderate temperature liquid crystalline phases and other self-organised states (e.g. Langmuir-Blodgett films) remain to be explored.     

Liquid crystalline photoconductors

The influence of molecular order as well as of orientation of charge carrier units on photoconductivity has been investigated for the liquid crystal photoconductors H5T (1), thiadiazole (2) and oxadiazole (3). The discotic H5T (1) and both smectic systems 2 and 3 exhibit a higher photocurrent in the highly ordered mesophase than in the polycrystalline or isotropic state. For 1, results concerning charge carrier transport mechanism and Dember effect are given indicating an electronic charge transport comparable with the one known for single crystalline anthracene.     

Pyrazolo[1, 2-a]pyrazoliumolates as novel structure elements in liquid crystals [1]

A series of pyrazolo[1, 2-a]pyrazoliumolates of type 3, 4, and 5 was prepared. Compound 4(R³ = CH₃) shows liquid crystalline properties (C 158.5 N 162 I).     

Synthesis and characterisation of main-chain hydrogen-bonded supramolecular liquid crystalline complexes formed by azo-containing compounds

A series of azopyridine-containing hydrogen bonding acceptors (4a-c) with flexible spacers of oligo(methylene) were synthesised. Hydrogen-bonded polymeric complexes 4/5 and trimeric complexes 4/6₂ , where 5 and 6 are aromatic dicarboxylic acids and monocarboxylic acids, respectively, were prepared and their liquid crystallinity was examined using differential scanning calorimetry and polarising optical microscopy. The study showed that most of the complexes displayed reversible thermotropic nematic phase. The isotropic to nematic phase transition temperatures of polymeric complexes 4/5 and trimeric complexes 4/6₂ in general decreased with the increase in length of spacers and terminal groups in the corresponding proton acceptors 4 and the proton donors 5 and 6, respectively. Hydrogen bonding interactions in complexes 4/5 and 4/6₂ were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.     

A comparison of mesogenic properties of p-carborane-1,12-dicarbaldehyde schiff's bases with their terephthaldehyde analogues

A homologous series of carborane-containing Schiff's bases 1A[n] (n = 1-10) was prepared and compared with the analogous series 1B[n] derived from terephthaldehyde. An exponential fit of the T _NI values for both series yielded a quantitative assessment of the effect of ring structure on mesophase stability. This includes the T _NI value for n→∞ (86°C for 1A[n] and 209°C for 1B[n]) and steepness of descent (0.135 for 1A[n] and 0.095 for 1B[n]). The difference in behaviour of the two series was attributed, largely, to conformational properties of the central rings A and B. Electronic interactions between the central rings and the π-substituents were investigated by UV spectroscopy and by quantum-mechanical calculations. The effect of replacement of O with CH₂ in the terminal chain of 1[n] on the namatic phase stability was assessed for n = 5-7.     

Novel mesogenic asymmetric diacylhydrazines: synthesis, mesomorphic behaviour and X-ray study

The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of a new series of diacylhydrazine derivatives (2a-g) are reported. All compounds of series 2 exhibit a smectic C (SmC) phase. The first homologues (2a, 2b) display a monotropic SmC mesophase, whereas the highest homologues (2c-g) exhibit an enantiotropic SmC phase. The liquid crystalline properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray measurements.     

New liquid crystal compounds ( )-4-[5-(2-Methylbutyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoate

New liquid crystal compounds, (+)-4-[5-(2-methylbutyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl] phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates (5), were synthesized. The mesomorphic behaviour of these compounds is compared with that of (+)-4-(5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-yl)-phenyl 4-(2-methylbutoxy)benzoates (6). While compounds 6 exhibited a chiral smectic C phase, the corresponding compounds 5 did not. This might mean that for the appearance of a chiral smectic C phase in these types of compounds, it is necessary that the carbonyl and the chiral groups exist at nearby positions. Transition temperatures to those isotropic state for compounds 5 were lower than those for compounds 6. This result is common in both cases of (+)-4-alkoxycarbonylphenyl-4-[5-(2-methylbutyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]benzoates (7), and (+)-4-(2-methylbutoxy-carbonyl)phenyl 4-(5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-yl)-benzoates (8).     

Synthesis and characterization of new liquid crystalline materials containing a non-activated arylazoindolinobenzospiropyranyl group as a chiral unit. Part II

Two series of new liquid crystalline compounds containing a non-activated arylazoindolinobenzospiropyran, ABP-SPAB 1a-1e (series 1) and SPAP-ABPC 2a-2e (series 2), have been synthesized. These LC dyes were characterized by a differential scanning calorimetry polarizing optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electro-optical measurements. All but one of the series 1 compounds examined exhibit monotropic second and/or third transition liquid crystal phases on cooling from the isotropic liquid. In particular, ABP-SPAB 1b shows a monotropic SmC phase, in addition to a SmA phase. In series 2, most of the compounds exhibit a monotropic nematic phase on cooling. SPAP-ABPC 2c forms an enantiotropic nematic phase and a monotropic SmA phase; 2e shows enantiotropic nematic and SmA phases.     

On the thermal behaviour of palladium (II) macrocyclic polycatenars

Polycatenar saturated macrocycles 1,10-bis[3,4,5-tris(4-dodecyloxy)benzoy1]-1,10-diaza-4,7,13,16-tetrathiacyclo-octadecane (3b) and 1,10-bis[3,4-bis(4-dodecyloxy)benzoy1] -1,10-diaza-4,7,13,16-tetrathiacyclo-octadecane (3d) reacted with [Pd(MeCN)₄][BF₄]₂ led to the cationic complexes [4b][BF₄]₂ and [4d][BF₄]₂, respectively. Complexes [4b][BF₄]₂ and [4d][BF₄]₂ showed smectic mesomorphism on heating as confirmed by small angle X-ray diffraction. A concurrent, irreversible structural change of the complex cations was observed and a tentative explanation is suggested.     

Cholesteric helix inversion: Novel nitro compounds showing unusual changes of the cholesteric helical pitch

We present a homologeous series of liquid crystalline trioxadecalin compounds having a terminal alkoxy chain and a nitro group. The (1S, 3R, 6R,8R)-3-(4'-nitrophenyl)-8-(4'-octoxyphenyl)-2,4, 7-trioxabicyclo [4.4.0]decane 2 c shows a temperature-dependent inversion of the cholesteric helix at lower temperatures. For higher temperatures, the reciprocal helical pitch reaches a minimum, then it increases, tending to a second inversion point just above the clearing point. An additional chiral centre in the side chain leads for nitro compounds 3 to non-mesomorphic behaviour. For the cyano compounds 4, the change in the cholesteric helix is suppressed, for the R configuration, but for the S configuration helical inversion occurs at high temperatures and selective reflection above the transition to the TGB_A phase.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of new liquid crystalline compounds VIII. Indolinobenzospiropyranyl aryliminobenzoates

A series of new liquid crystalline compounds, indolinobenzospiropyranyl aryliminobenzoates, 1a-d, have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties characterized. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction showed that the benzoates 1a and 1d form a monotropic mesophase, whereas 1b and 1c show an enantiotropic mesophase. Enantiomorphic properties are uncommon to spiropyran-containing LC molecules. Among the compounds investigated, 1a was found to exhibit a monotropic SmC phase between 90 and 79°C.     

Two New Alkaline Metal Borates with Supramolecular Framework Constructed from 1D {B5}/{B6} Helical Chains

Two new alkaline metal borates containing 1D{B5}/{B6}oxoboron helical chains,namely Na0.5[B5O8(OH)2]0.5[B5O6(OH)2]0.5·0.5H3O(1)and NaKCs[B6O9(OH)3](2)were synthesized under solvothermal conditions.Compound 1 contains the interesting alternative left-and right-handed helical{[B5O8(OH)2][B5O6(OH)2]}2-({B5}-1 and{B5}-2)1D chains and compound 2 possesses the similar[B6O11(OH)3]7-({B6})chains.Their 1D chains are further assembled into 2D layers and 3D supramolecular frameworks through O-H…O hydrogen bonds.In addition,the UV cutoff edge of compounds 1 and 2 is both below 190 nm.     

A new series of nematic and smectic liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy: the effect of terminal chain substitution on thermal and electro-optical properties

Two alkyl (1b and 1c) and four fluoroalkyl derivatives (1d-1f) of 4-arylbutyric acid (1c, 1d and 1e) and 4-arylbutanol (1b, 1f and 1g) [aryl = 2',3'-difluoro-4'-(2-(E-4-pentylcyclohexyl)ethyl)-biphenyl-1-yl] were prepared and investigated in the pure form as nematic materials (1b and 1c) and as additives to a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) host (1d-1f). A comparison of 1b and 1c with the decyl analogue 1a demonstrates the effect of terminal chain modification on thermal and electro-optical properties. The substitution of the -CH₂O- (1b) or -COO- (1c) for -CH₂CH₂- in 1a destabilized the N and SmA phases or completely eliminated the smectic behaviour (1c). Dielectric analysis revealed that the chain modification increased the negative Δε, reduced elastic constant K ₁₁ and moderately decreased rotational viscosity γ₁. The temperature dependence of the key electro-optical parameters was analysed for ester 2, the methyl analogue of 1c, which exhibits a 45 K wide N phase. All four fluoroalkyl derivatives 1d-1f showed enantiotropic SmA phases and 1e also exhibited a monotropic SmC phase. Solutions of 1d-1f in a FLC host (0.2 mmol g^-1) increased the tilt angle Θ (up to 45° for 1g), reduced rotational viscosity γ₁ and the risetime τ. The most dramatic changes were observed for 1g, which contains 15 fluorine atoms.     

Esters derived from 7-decanoyloxychromone-3-carboxylic acid: synthesis and mesomorphic properties

The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of a new series of calamitic liquid crystals containing 4-H-benzopyran-4-one (chromone) within the central core is reported. The first homologue in the series display SmA phase (8a), the homologues (8b-e) exhibit SmA and SmC mesophases and the homologues (8f-h) exhibit only a SmC mesophase.     

Theoretical Studies on Copper,Nickel Complexes of Corrole and Isocorrole

Corrole 2, an analogue of porphyrin 1, is also a fascinating molecule. It can be considered as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of corrin 3,the chromophore of Vitamin B₁₂, Similar to porphyrin, corrole also has 18 electrons in the π-system of the ring and is aromatic. Recently, isocorrole 4, another compound in the corrole family, was synthesized by Vogel's group^[1].One important feature of corrole and isocorrole is the possible formation of tri-anion, and thus the ability to stabilise high-oxidation-state metal cations.     

Assembly of Two Isostructural Metal-organic Frameworks Based on Hetero-N,O Donor Ligand for Detecting Nitro Explosives

Two isostructural metal-organic frameworks,[NO3][M3(H2O)3O(TBA)3]-2DMF-6H2O(1 and 2)[M=In and Fe, H2TBA=4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-benzoic acid], have been successfully synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 have three-dimensional structures bridged via the typical 6-connected tri-nuclear cluster units M3O(COO)6 and linear linker H2TBA. The whole 3D framework possesses a 6-connected acs topology. Notably, by the fluorescence technique, compound 1 can detect nitro explosives through fluorescence quenching effect, especially for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol(TNP, Ksv=3.64×10^4 L/mol). Furthermore, the fluorescence spectrum red shifts as the number of NO2 group increases. Based on the aforementioned consideration, compound 1 can be considered as a potential luminescent probe for the detection of TNP.     

Two New Borates Built by Different Types of {B9} Cluster Units

Two new belt-like borates Na₄[B₉O₁₄(OH)₃]·0.5H₂O(1) and Na₅[B₉O₁₄(OH)₄](2) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Both compounds contain unprecedented B₉O₁₆(OH)_n^(n+5)-[n=3(1), 4(2)] clusters, which are constructed from four B₃O₃ rings via three BO₄ tetrahedra. Compound 1 exhibits a rare 1D belt with two types of 8-membered ring(MR) windows based on B₉O₁₆(OH)₃^8- clusters. Compound 2 features two different 1D belts built by different B₉O₁₆(OH)₄^9- units, which is first discovered in borate family. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra reveal that compounds 1 and 2 have the cut-off edges below 190 nm, indicating that they may have potential application in deep UV(DUV) region.     

X-ray diffraction study of the smectic mesophase of some azobenzene-containing polyacrylates

An X-ray study is performed on powder specimens and on stretched oriented fibres of two liquid crystalline polyacrylates containing the azobenzene mesogenic unit with either a 4'-n-pentyloxy (sample 1-4) or 4'-n-hexyloxy (sample 1-5) substituent. The X-ray diffraction patterns of both samples showed the presence of a bilayer smectic C mesophase with the mesogneic groups tilted by an angle β ∼ 45° (1-4) or β ∼ 38° (1-5) with respect to the layer normal. The electron density profile p(z) along the direction normal to the smectic layers was calculated by Fourier inversion and possible structural models of the smectic mesophase are discussed. A partial interdigitation of the terminal alkyloxy substituents appears to occur.     

Ferroelectric liquid crystal dopants with a chiral (R,R)-2,3-difluorooctyloxy side-chain: host dependence of the polarization power

The polarization powers δ_p of four chiral dopants with (R,R)-2,3-difluorooctyloxy side-chains were measured in four liquid crystal hosts with isotropic (I)-nematic (N)-smectic A (SmA)-smectic C (SmC) phase sequences. The four chiral dopants differ in terms of their core structures: 2-phenylpyridine (MDW950), biphenyl (5), 2-phenylpyrimidine (6) and 2-(3-nitrophenyl)pyrimidine (7). In each case, δ_p varies with the structure of the liquid crystal host, which is consistent with the behaviour of so-called Type II dopants that normally feature a chiral core structure. The δ_p(host) profile was found to depend on the degree of biaxiality of the dopant core structure, and on the degree of steric coupling between the chiral 2,3-difluorooctyloxy side-chain and the core. Conformational analyses at the B3LYP/6-31G* level suggest that the 2,3-difluorooctyloxy side-chain is conformationally more rigid than conventional chiral side-chains due to the added electrostatic repulsion of the two adjacent fluoro groups combined with the hyperconjugative 'gauche effect', and may therefore have a higher degree of biaxiality on the time average. This biaxial character should make the chiral side-chain more sensitive to variations in quadrupolar ordering imposed by the SmC phase of the liquid crystal host, and may therefore explain the dependence of δ_p on the host structure reported herein.