Dimeric compounds containing malonic acid as the central linking unit: synthesis and mesomorphic properties

Eight new dimeric compounds containing malonic acid as the central linking unit (series M- n - X ) have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties studied. All these compounds are found to be liquid crystalline, forming mainly nematic and smectic phases. We have carried out microscopic textural observations, X-ray diffractometry as well as solid state NMR studies on these compounds.