Experimental Evidence for a Hyperscaling Relation at a Nematic to Smectic A Phase Transition

A hyperscaling relation v_″ + 2v_┴ = 2 – α is examined for the nematic to smectic A transition of 4-octyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB) and 4-octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8CB). From the heat capacity results, 2-α is analyzed to be 1.84 ± 0.03 for 8OCB and 1.75 ± 0.02 for 8OCB. On the other hand v_″ + 2v_┴ is calculated from the results reported by X-ray experiments to be 1.87 ± 0.12 for 8OCB and 1.69 ± 0.11 for 8CB. From the above coincidences the hyperscaling relation is found to be applicable to the nematic to smectic A transition.     

Measurement of the Refractive Index and Estimate of the Order Parameter in Oriented Liquid Crystals

The refractive indices of a cholesteric liquid crystal, cholesteryl dodecyl carbonate (CDC), and a smectic liquid crystal, p-n-octoxybenzilidene-p-n-butylaniline (OOBBA), have been measured as a function of temperature in the transition temperature regions. The measurements were made on oriented liquid crystals with an Abbe refractometer. By combining the data on ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices, the relative order parameter, α_aS/α, is plotted as a function of temperature. The behavior of the order parameter near the cholesteric to isotropic transition of CDC is similar to a nematic liquid crystal, whereas, the order parameter in OOBBA shows only a slight temperature variation like many solids.     

Effect of polarity of smectic Ad molecules on the induction of the nematic phase in binary mixtures of smectics A1 and Ad

The phase diagrams are determined of binary mixtures composed of 4-n-alkylbiphenylates 4-cyanobiphenyl (n-CBB)-smectics A₁, for n < 8 and esters of 4-(trans-4′-n-alkylcyclohexyl)benzoic acid (10CPCHB, 10NPCHB, 10FOPCHB)-smectics A_d. The effect is studied of the smectic layer spacing ratio and polarity of the components on the induction of the nematic phase in the tested series of compounds. The virtual N S_Ad phase transition points in series n-CBB are estimated and the effect is discussed of the stability of the smectic phase and polarity of the molecules of the mixture components on the width and position of the nematic gap.     

Phase transition studies in mesogenic dimers

Schiff base liquid crystal dimers, both symmetric and non‐symmetric, in which two anisotropic groups are linked by a flexible spacer, exhibit a rich variety of smectic mesomorphism. The interest in this class of mesogens stems not only from their ability to act as model compounds for semi‐flexible mainchain liquid crystal polymers but also from their quite different properties compared to conventional low molar mass liquid crystals (monomers). We report here the phase transition studies on two examples of these schiff base liquid crystal dimers using the Differential Scanning Calorimetry and density measurements as a function of temperature. The symmetric liquid crystal dimer, α,ω‐bis (4‐n‐dodecylaniline benzylidene‐4′‐oxy)decane (10.O12O.10) exhibits a very rare Isotropic to G transition. Where as, the non‐symmetric dimer, α‐(4‐cyano biphenyl‐4′‐yloxy)‐ω‐(4‐n‐decylanilinebenzylidene‐4′‐oxy)decane (CB.O10O.10) exhibits a rare nematic to intercalated smectic A phase transition. The transitions studied, isotropic to nematic and isotropic to G exhibit a large density jump at the transition confirming their first order nature. Nematic to intercalated smectic A transition is found to be a second order transition whose behavior is similar to nematic to smectic A transition. Calculated values of pressure dependence of transition temperature and thermal expansion coefficient are also reported.     

Synthesis of novel ester series and study of its mesomorphism dependence on terminal end group with lateral –OCH3 group

Novel liquid crystal (LC) materials of ester derivatives were synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effects of molecular structure on LC properties. The novel molecules consist of two phenyl rings bonded through –COO– central group and a laterally substituted methoxy group with –OC_nH_2n+1 as well as –COOCH₃ terminal end groups, and yielded 12 homologous members of an ester series. The C₁ to C₃ members are nonmesomorphic, the C₄ to C₁₂ members are enantiotropic nematic only, and the C₁₄ to C₁₆ members are enantiotropically smectogenic in addition to nematogenic. Transition temperatures and the textures of LC state were observed through an optical polarizing microscope (POM) equipped with a heating stage. The textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren, and that of smectic phase are focal conic of the type A or C. Transition curves of a phase diagram behave in normal manner with the exhibition of an odd-even effect (only N-I). Analytical and spectral data support the molecular structures of the novel ester derivatives. The LC properties of the present series are compared with structurally similar other known series. The average thermal stability of the series is 93°C for smectic and 120.88°C for nematic and the mesogenic phase length ranges between 2°C and 46°C.     

Mesomorphism dependence of a terminal or lateral alkoxy group

A novel homologous series of thermotropic mesomorphs has been synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effect of molecular structure on mesomorphic properties with reference to rigidity and flexibility of the homologues series: RO-C₆H₄-CH?CH-CO-C₆H₄-OC₁₈H₃₇(n). The novel homologous series comprises 13 novel homologues (C₁ to C₁₈), from which 11 homologues are enantiotropically mesogenic (C₃ to C₁₈). Smectogenic mesophase commences from C₇ homologue, and nematogenic mesophase is exhibited by C₃ to C₁₈ homologues in enantiotropic manner. Thus, C₇ to C₁₈ homologues are enantiotropically smectogenic plus nematogenic. Textures of smectic phase are of the type A or C, and that of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren as confirmed through an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage. Transition curve of a phase diagram behaved in a normal manner except N-I transition curve, which shows minor deviating trend (C₁₂ to C₁₈) from expected normal behavior. An odd-even effect is exhibited by N-I and Sm-N transition curves. Analytical, spectral, and thermal data confirm the molecular structures of novel homologues. Thermal stabilities for smectic and nematic are 52.7°C and 66.6°C, respectively, whose total mesophase lengths range from 12.0°C to 28.0°C. Thus, novel series of chalcones is a low melting series whose mesogenic transition temperatures vary between 38.0 and 86.0°C.     

Dependence of liquid crystallinity on molecular rigidity

A novel homologous series of liquid crystals (LC) of chalconyl derivatives is synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effects of molecular structure on liquid crystal properties. The novel series consists of 12 homologues. Nematogenic LC property commences from C₃ and continues up to C₁₄ and the smectogenic mesophase is exhibited from C₄ to C₁₆. The C₃ homologue is a monotropic nematic and the rest of the homologues are enantiotropically smectic and nematic or only smectic (C₁₆). Transition curves Cr-Sm, Sm-N, Cr-I, and N-I behave in normal manner with exhibition of odd-even effect, showing phase behaviors of the series.     

Mesomorphism dependence on molecular rigidity

A novel ester homologous series of thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) has been studied with a view to understanding and establishing the relation between LC property and the molecular structure. The series consists of 11 members, the C₁–C₅ and C₁₆ members of the series are nonliquid crystals. LC properties commence from the C₆ homolog and continue up to the C₁₄ homolog as enantiotropic nematic and smectic in addition to nematic. Transition temperatures of the homologs were determined by an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage. Textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren and that of smectic is focal conic of the type-A. Analytical and spectral data confirm the structures of homologs. Thermal stability for nematic is 93 °C and 136 °C, respectively. The N–I and Sm–N transition curves of phase diagram do not exhibit odd-even effect. The N–I transition curve partly behaves in an abnormal manner. The Cr–I and Sm–N transition curves behave in normal manner. The LC behavior of the present series is compared with structurally similar known homologous series.     

Mesomorphism in chloro substituted isomeric series including chalconyl central bridge

A novel homologous series of thermotropic liquid crystals α-4-(4′-n-alkoxy benzoyloxy phenyl) β-2″-chloro benzoyl ethylenes have been synthesized and studied with a view to understand and establish the effect of molecular structure on liquid crystal (LC) properties with reference to molecular flexibility in isomeric series with differing positional status of same functional group. Novel homologues series consist of 12 homologues C₁ to C_16. C₁, C₂, and C₃ homologues are nonliquid crystals (NLC) and rest of the homologues are liquid crystals. C₁₀ to C₁₆ homologues are enantiotropically smectogenic plus nematogenic and C₄ to C₈ homologues are enantiotropic nematic. The texture of nematogenic derivatives is threaded or schlieren and that of the smectic mesophase are focal conic of the type smectic A or C. Analytical, thermal and spectral data supported molecular structures of novel homologues. Transition temperatures as determine by a hot stage polarizing optical microscopy (POM) were plotted against number of carbon atom present in n-alkyl chain ‘R’ of left n-alkoxy (-OR) group and the phase transition curves Cr–I/M, Sm–N, N–I were obtained on linking like or related points. The odd–even effect is observed for the N–I transition curve and thus transition curves behaved in normal manner. The even-membered nematic transition curve occupied higher position than the odd-membered transition curve. Present series is predominantly nematogenic and partly smectogenic with middle-ordered melting type.     

Synthesis and study of mesomorphic properties in rod-like chalconyl compounds

In order to investigate the influence of the central linking group and effect on flexibility on mesophase behavior of liquid crystal we have synthesized newly homologous series viz. 3-(4-Octyloxyphenyl)-1-(4′-n-alkoxy phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (Series-l) consists of thirteen homologues (C₁ to C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆, C₁₈). Textures of a nematic phases are threaded or Schlieren type. The textures of smectic and nematic phase are directly judged from the heating and cooling condition. Group efficiency order for mesophases is derived on the basis of thermal stabilities from the comparative study of thermometric data determined from structurally analogous series. A transition curve as depicted in a phase diagram behaves in normal manner. Structural and conformational characterization of these new compounds had achieved by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, and elemental analysis.     

Mesomorphism dependence on halogenated chalconyl esters in terms of molecular flexibility/rigidity

Vinyl carboxy central group containing a novel chalconyl ester homologous series: RO.C₆H₄.CH ? CH.COO.C₆H₄.CH ? CH.CO.C₆H₄.I (para) have been synthesized and studied with a view to understand and establish the relation between thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) behaviors and the molecular structure. Novel chalconyl ester homologous series consists of thirteen homologs (C₁–C₁₈). C₁–C₃ homologs are nonmesogenic, C₄ homolog is enantiotropic nematogenic and the rest of the homologs (C₅–C₁₈) are enantiotropically smectogenic plus nematogenic. Phase transition temperatures and textures of LC phase were determined by an optical polarizing microscopy (POM) equipped with a heating stage. Cr-M/I, Sm-N, N-I transition curves in a phase diagram behaved in normal manner. Sm-N and N-I transition curves exhibited odd-even effect from C₄–C₁₀ or nearby C₁₀ homolog. Textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren and that of the smectic phase are of the type smectic A or C. Analytical and spectral data confirms the molecular structure of homologs. Thermal stabilities for smectic and nematic mesophases are 155.0 and 180.7, respectively, and their corresponding mesophaselengths are varied from minimum to maximum at 17.0°C–39.0°C as well as 15.0°C–30.0°C. Thus, it is middle ordered melting type series. The group efficiency orders derived on the basis of smectic and nematic thermal stabilities are as under: Sm: -C₆H₄.I > -C₆H₄.Cl > -C₄H₃S and N:- C₆H₄.I > -C₆H₄.Cl > -C₄H₃S from comparative study of structurally similar analogous series     

Synthesis of four liquid crystals and study of alkyl chain effect on the nematic range for application in GC

Four liquid crystals (LCs) compounds which contain the 1,3,4-oxadiazole group were synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic techniques (IR, ¹H- and ¹³C NMR), their thermal properties were analyzed by the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and the polarizing microscope (POM). A comparative study of the mesomorphic properties of these LCs and three other compounds which have already been used as a stationary phase in gas chromatography (GC) was carried out. These compounds have the same main nucleus. LCs V1, LC1, LC2 and LC3 gave a nematic (N) phase to the heating, LCs V2 and V3 recorded smectic A (SmA) and N phases. However, the range (N) has disappeared in V4.     

Mesomorphism dependence on molecular rigidity with reference to ‒CH˭CH‒ unit of central bridge

A novel ester homologous series of rich mesomorphism and low temperatures with unexpected phase behaviors of eleven homologues was synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the relation between mesomorphic behaviour and the molecular structure of a series 4-(4′-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-4″-chlorobenzyl cinnamates. All the members of the novel series are enantiotropically smectogenic and the octyloxy (C₈) to hexadecyloxy (C₁₆) homologues are enantiotropically nematogenic, in addition to smectogenic. Odd–even effect is observed for Sm?I/Sm?N transition curve but it is absent for N?I transition curve. Textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren and that of the smectic phase are fan shaped or batonates of smectic-A type phase or Smectic-C type for C₁₆ homologues as judged directly from a heating stage of an optical polarizing microscopy. Analytical and spectral data confirmed the molecular structures of novel homologues. Mesomorphic properties of present series are compared with the structurally similar other known series. The average smectic and nematic thermal stabilities are 92.78°C and 100.8°C, respectively. Mesophase length minimum to maximum for smectic and nematic are 21.0°C to 31.1°C and 8.4°C to 42.6°C respectively. Thus, the present novel series is partly nematogenic and fully smectogenic with considerable degree of mesomorphism and low melting type.     

Mesomorphism dependence on lateral substitution and central bridge

A novel ester homologous series was synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effects of molecular structure on liquid crystal properties with a common laterally substituted –OCH3 group and changing terminal groups. The novel series consists of twelve members. The C₁ to C₃ members are not liquid crystals and the rest of the members C₄ to C₁₆ are smectogenic without exhibition of nematic character. Textures of smectic phase are focal conic fan shaped of the type A or C. The transition temperatures and textures of smectic mesophases were observed through hot stage polarizing microscopy (POM). The transition curves (Cr-I or Cr-M and Sm-I) behaved in normal manner. Analytical and spectral data support the molecular structures. Average thermal stability for smectic is 77.25°C and smectogenic mesophase ranges from 15°C to 33°C. Liquid crystal properties of the present series are compared with structurally similar homologous series. Thus, the series is smectogenic only with three homologs nonmesogenic.     

Dependence of mesomorphism on geometrical shapes of isomeric and nonisomeric series of chalconyl esters

A meta substituted chalconyl ester homologous series: RO?C₆H₄?COO?C₆H₄(meta)?CO?CH?CH?C₆H₄?OC₁₂H_25(n)(para) is synthesized and studied with a view to understanding the effect of molecular substitution at meta position in a molecular structure on thermotropic liquid crystal properties. The novel homologous series consists of thirteen homologues (C₁ to C₁₈). All the homologues except the nonliquid crystal homologues C₁, C₂, C₃ are enantiotropic nematic with the absence of smectic properties. The transition and melting temperatures were determined by an optical polarizing microscopy (POM) equipped with a heating stage. Textures of a nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren. Transition curves (Cr-N/I and N-I) behave in normal manner except homologues between C₁₀ and C₁₄ of N-I curve, which show negligible deviation from normal and a smooth descending tendency. The N-I transition curve exhibits an odd-even effect up to C₁₀ homologue and then the odd-even effect disappears for higher homologues. Analytical and the spectral data support the molecular structures. Thermal stability for nematic is 107.3°C and the mesophase lengths range between 13.0°C and 35.0°C at the C₁₈ and C₁₂ homologues respectively. Group efficiency order for nematic is derived on the basis of thermal stability as ?OC₁₂H_25(n) (linear) > ?OC₁₂H_25(n) (nonlinear) > ?OC₁₆H₃₃ (nonlinear).     

Molecular structural flexibility dependence of mesomorphism through ortho-substituted bromo group

A novel series of liquid crystal (LC) materials of Schiff's bases viz. RO-C₆H₄?CH?CH?COO?C₆H₄?N?CH?C₆H₄?Br (ortho) is synthesized and studied with a views to understanding and establishing the effect of molecular structure on liquid crystal properties and to provide novel thermotropic LC material to the scientific and technological community of research interest. The novel series consists of thirteen members (C₁ to C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆ &; C₁₈). All the members of a series are enantiotropic liquid crystals. Smectic (C₁₀?C₁₈) and nematic (C₁?C₁₈) property commence from C₁₀ and C₁ homologue respectively. Transition temperatures and the textures of homologues were determined using a polarizing optical microscope (POM) equipped with a heating stage. Transition curves Cr-M, Sm-N and N-I of a phase diagram behaved in normal manner. Odd–even effect is absent for Sm-N transition curve, but it is present for N-I curve. Sm-N transition curve is extrapolated to C₈ and C₆ nonsmectogenic homologues to determine and predict their latent ability for exhibition of smectic property. Analytical and spectral data confirms the molecular structures of homologues. Thermal stabilities of smectic and nematic are 85.4°C and 130.1°C °C whose upper and lower total mesophase length vary from 58.0°C to 06.0°C at the C₁₀ and C₁ = C₅ = C₆ homologue, respectively. Textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren and smectic phase are of type A or C. LC properties of present novel series are compared with structurally series known series. Thus, present novel series is predominantly nematogenic and partly smectogenic with middle ordered melting type and considerable total mesophase length range.     

Synthesis of novel azoester homologous series of liquid crystalline behavior and the study of mesomorphism dependence on lateral substitution of middle phenyl ring

The titled azoester liquid crystalline homologous series consists of eleven homologues. The pentyl to tetradecyl derivatives of the series are nematogenic without exhibition of smectogenic character. Rest of the members of the series are nonliquid crystalline in nature. Textures of the nematic mesophase are schlieren or threaded type. Transition curves in the phase diagram showed normal phase behavior. Transition temperatures and liquid crystal behavior observed under an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage. An odd even effect is observed for nematic-isotropic transition curve. Analytical and spectral data confirms the structures of the molecules. Present homologous series is predominant nematogenic and partly nonmesogenic. Average thermal stability for nematic is 125.33°C and nematogenic mesophase length varies between 12°C to 48°C at tetradecyl (C₁₄) and octyl (C₈) derivatives, respectively.     

FLEXOELECTRIC INSTABILITY IN NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL BETWEEN COAXIAL CYLINDERS

Abstract

The stability of the equilibrium configurations of a nematic liquid crystal confined between two coaxial cylinders is analysed when a radial electric field is applied and the flexoelectric effect is taken into account. The threshold for perturbations depending only on the radius r in the cylindrical coordinate system and strong boundary conditions is studied. A new type of orientational transition caused by pure flexoelectric effect is found.     

Mesomorphism dependence on lateral substitution of functional groups and their position in series: 4(4′-n-alkoxy benzoyloxy)-3-chloro phenyl azo-2″-methoxy benzenes

Eleven homologues of the title series were synthesized. The methyl-to-pentyl derivatives are nonmesomorphic. The nematic mesophase commences from the sixth member of the series without any smectic phase. An odd–even effect in the nematic–isotropic transition curve is not observed. The nematic mesophase appeared as a threaded or a Schlieren-type texture as observed through a hot-stage polarizing microscope. The nematic–isotropic transition temperatures are between 89°C and 127°C with the mesomorphic range varying from 9°C to 44°C at the hexyl and tetradecyl derivative of the series, respectively. The nematic–isotropic transition curve initially rises and then falls in a normal manner as the series is ascended, but it abnormally rises beyond the 10th homologue. The series is enantiotropic nematic with a middle-ordered melting type. Analytical data support the structures of the molecules. The thermal stability and some other mesomorphic characteristics are compared with structurally similar homologous series. The average nematic–isotropic thermal stability is 105.4°C.     

ENHANCED FLEXOELECTRIC SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR IN THE CHIRAL NEMATIC PHASE

Abstract

In order to develop materials that exhibit enhanced flexoelectric switching in the chiral nematic phase we have identified mesogenic units that display inherently strong flexoelectric coupling capabilities. Here we examine the oxycyanobiphenyl (OCB) moiety: homologues from the nOCB series exhibit significant electro-optic switching effects when doped with a highly chiral additive. Here we have examined lower dielectric anisotropy materials, since they allow the flexoelectric response to be extended to high field amplitudes. We show that dielectric coupling strength can be low in symmetric bimesogenic molecules. The flexoelectric response of such a molecular structure is tested by doping a homologue from the series CBOnOCB with a chiral additive: very significantly we find that the optic axis is rotated through 2φ = 45° in < 50 μs on reversing the polarity of the field (amplitude E = ±6 V μm^?1). Subsequently we have synthesized room temperature chiral nematic materials that exhibit 2φ > 90° at E = 10 V μ^?1.