Synthesis and physical properties of laterally fluorinated liquid crystals containing 1,3,2-dioxaborinane and cyclohexyl units

Six series of laterally fluorinated liquid crystals containing 1,3,2-dioxaborinane and cyclohexyl units have been synthesized and characterized. Their mesomorphic properties were characterized by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All these compounds are thermotropic liquid crystalline materials. All three-ring compounds (series A, B and C) and most four-ring compounds (series D, E and F) exhibit only a nematic phase, while some four-ring compounds with long terminal alkyl chains show nematic, smectic A and even smectic B phases. In addition, four compounds containing a 1,3-dioxane unit were prepared, and their mesomorphic properties compared with their 1,3,2-dioxaborinane analogues. The dielectric anisotropies of selected target compounds were determined; some showed a negative anisotropy. The relationships between the properties and chemical structures of these new compounds are discussed.     

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.     

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.     

Synthesis,characterisation and liquid crystalline properties of some Schiff base-ester central linkage involving 2, 6- disubstituted naphthalene ring system

Four new mesogenic homologous series, each containing a 6-alkoxy 2-naphthoic acid and Schiff base-ester as central linkage, have been synthesised by esterification of 4-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl) imino] methyl} phenyl 4-propoxy benzoate, 4-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl) imino] methyl} phenyl 4- (pentyloxy) benzoate, 4-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}-2-methoxyphenyl 4- nitrobenzoate and 4-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}-2-methoxyphenyl 4- chlorobenzoate with different 6-alkoxy 2-naphthoic acid to give Series-A, -B, -C and -D, respectively. These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible and mass spectral studies. Their mesomorphic behaviour was studied by polarising optical microscope (POM) with a heating stage. POM data were compared with differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. In Series-A and -B all compounds exhibit mesomorphism. Series-A compounds exhibit a enantiotropic nematic mesophase, while a smectic A mesophase is observed from the butoxy derivative and persists up to the last member of the homologou series. Series-B compounds also exhibit the enantiotropic nematic mesophase, while the smectic A mesophase is observed from the ethoxy derivative and persists up to the last member of the homologou series. The mesomorphic properties of both series are compared with each other and the other structurally related Series-C and –D compounds. In Series-C and -D all compounds exhibit the only nematic mesophase; no smectic mesophase is observed even for higher members of the homologous.

The aim of the research was to synthesise and characterise novel liquid crystalline compounds containing 2,6-disubstituted naphthalene and to study their mesomorphic properties.     

Mesogenic cinnamates with a substituted ethyl terminal chain*

Two new mesogenic homologous series of liquid crystalline cinnamates with substituted ethyl tails, β‐methoxyethyl [4‐(4′‐n‐alkoxycinnamoyloxy)benzoates (I) and β‐chloroethyl [4‐(4′‐n‐alkoxycinnamoyloxy)benzoates (II), have been synthesized and characterized by a combination of elemental analysis and standard spectroscopic methods. In series I, lower‐chain members exhibit nematic mesophase, middle members exhibit enantiotropic nematic as well as smectic A (SmA) mesophases, whereas higher members exhibit only an enantiotropic SmA mesophase. In series II, methoxy to n‐butyloxy derivatives exhibit a monotropic nematic mesophase. The SmA mesophase commences from n‐propyloxy derivative as monotropic and persists up to the last member synthesized. The mesomorphic properties of present series were compared with each other and with a structurally related mesogenic homologous series to evaluate the effects of substituted ethyl tail and cinnamoyloxy central linkage on mesomorphism.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of fluoro-containing azobenzene liquid crystals

Four series of azobenzene liquid crystal compounds containing a fluorinated tolan unit have been synthesized. The mesomorphic behaviours of these compounds were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and optical polarizing microscopy. The compounds of these series exhibit a nematic, a smectic C or a smectic B phase. This investigation revealed that the alkoxy chain at the side of the azobenzene moiety plays a more important role in the formation of smectic phases than the one at the side of the tolan moiety.     

Novel amides and Schiff's bases derived from 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives: synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour

The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of novel achiral amides (Ia–g, IIa–g and IVa,b), achiral Schiff's bases (IIIa–g and Va–g), chiral amides (VI, VII) and chiral Schiff's bases (VIII–XI) incorporating a 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring are reported. All amides of the series I and II display an enantiotropic smectic A phase. The amide IVa,b did not show mesomorphic properties. Amides of the series Ia–g and IIa–g contain a flexible n-tetradecylthio chain, the other terminal substituent is an n-alkoxy chain and n-alkyl chain, respectively (n?=?4–10) and the 1,3,4-oxadiazole is in the terminal rigid core. Amides Ia–g have broader mesomorphic range and higher thermal stability than the corresponding amides IIa–g. Amides IVa,d contain the 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring in the centre of the rigid core and two flexible alkoxy chains as flexible terminal substituents. Thus, the mesomorphic properties are favoured if 1,3,4-oxadiazole is shifted to a terminal position of the rigid core. Schiff's bases IIIa–g display an enantiotropic dimorphism smectic C–smectic A. Schiff's bases IIIa–g have a broader mesomorphic range than the analogous amides Ia–g. Schiff's bases Va–g exhibit a dimorphism smectic A–nematic, and in contrast to this the analogous amide IVa,b did not show mesomorphism. The chiral amides VI and VII and chiral Schiff's bases X and XI did not show mesomorphic properties and only the chiral Schiff's bases VIII and IX display a chiral smectic C phase in a short mesomorphic range. A density functional theory theoretical study at the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) level was performed in order to analyse the structural features that must be related with the mesomorphic behaviour of the reported compounds.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of fluoro-containing azobenzene liquid crystals

Four series of azobenzene liquid crystal compounds containing a fluorinated tolan unit have been synthesized. The mesomorphic behaviours of these compounds were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and optical polarizing microscopy. The compounds of these series exhibit a nematic, a smectic C or a smectic B phase. This investigation revealed that the alkoxy chain at the side of the azobenzene moiety plays a more important role in the formation of smectic phases than the one at the side of the tolan moiety.     

Synthesis and characterization of homologous series with chiral (S)‐1‐methylpropyl terminal substituent

Homologous series of liquid crystalline azoesters and azomethine esters consisting of a (S)‐1‐methylpropyl group attached in one of the terminal positions have been synthesized and thermally characterized. All twenty‐four derivatives from both series, namely, the 4‐(4‐n‐alkoxybenzoyloxy)‐4′‐1‐(S)‐methylpropylazobenzenes and 4‐(4‐n‐alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzylidene‐4′‐1‐(S)‐methylpropylanilines exhibit mesomorphism. The lower members of the homologous series show a chiral nematic phase while the higher members show smectic C*, smectic A as well as chiral nematic mesophases. The homologues have been characterized using IR, NMR and UV‐Visible, spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction and DSC. Their mesomorphic properties are compared with those of structurally related homologous series.     

Azomesogens containing a β-chloroethyl terminal chain: synthesis and characterisation

In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterisation of two new mesogenic homologous series, β-chloroethyl 4-(4′-n-alkoxyphenylazo) benzoates (I) and the β-chloroethyl [4-(4′-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)phenylazo]-4”-benzoates (II), containing a terminal β-chloro ethyl chain. Series I was synthesised by alkylation of β-chloroethyl 4-(4′-hydroxy phenylazo) benzoate with an appropriate alkyl halide, whereas series II was synthesised by esterification of β-chloroethyl 4-(4′-hydroxyphenylazo) benzoate with an appropriate 4-n-alkoxybenzoic acid. The molecular structures of these new compounds of both the series were characterised by combination of element analysis and a standard spectroscopic method. The mesomorphic behaviour was studied mainly by use of a polarised microscope and, in some cases, differential scanning calorimeter as well. In series I, all nine members synthesised exhibited only an enantiotropic smectic A mesophase. In series II, all 12 homologues exhibited an enantiotropic nematic mesophase; a smectic A phase appeared in the n-octyloxy derivative as an enantiotropic phase and persisted through to the n-hexadecyloxy member. The mesomorphic properties of both series were compared with each other and also with the properties of other structurally related series to evaluate the effects of the β-chloroethyl tail on mesomorphism.     

Synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of novel compounds containing a 3‐fluoro‐4‐cyanophenoxy group

A series of novel compounds containing a 3‐fluoro‐4‐cyanophenoxy group were synthesized and fully characterized by IR and ¹H NMR, and their mesomorphic properties were studied. Seven compounds exhibited enantiotropic nematic phases and three compounds exhibited monotropic nematic phases, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. Selected properties of the liquid crystalline compounds synthesized were calculated by ab initio methods at a HF/6‐31G level. The bond lengths, bond angles and dihedral angles of the fragments with the same structure change little between the compounds. All the compounds with a terminal alkoxy chain approached a planar structure.     

Mesomorphic behaviour and TSDC measurements of ortho-metallated palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with S,O-donor co-ligands

A series of ortho-metallated Pd and Pt complexes containing an imine ligand carrying three alkoxy chains and N-benzoylthiourea derivatives as co-ligands were prepared and their liquid crystalline properties investigated. Their structures were assigned based on elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, whereas thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calotimetry and polarising optical microscopy. All the compounds exhibit monotropic transitions involving nematic and smectic A phases, with the mesomorphic behaviour strongly related to the type of N-benzoylthiourea as well as the metal centre used. The thermally stimulated depolarisation current technique was employed to determine the conduction mechanism, phase transition temperature and the activation energies for one of the ortho-metallated Pd complexes.     

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.     

Non-symmetrically (1,2,4- and 1,3,4-)oxadiazole homologous: synthesis,characterisation and study the effect of different substituents on their mesophase behaviours

We have previously demonstrated that the type of oxadiazole isomers is relatively affected on showing the liquid crystalline properties of the compounds that have the same chemical compositions. In this paper, we presented the synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour of related compounds that possess ester linkage with different substituted groups on para of the phenyl to six derivatives containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole and like another six containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole rings. The formation of these compounds was evidenced by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, elemental analysis and mass techniques. Their mesophase behaviours were studied by optical polarised microscopy (OPM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All of them presented liquid crystalline properties with nematic (N), smectic A (SmA) and smectic C (SmC) phases typically to calamitic compounds. The effect of substituent group nature and the type of oxadiazole isomers on the liquid crystalline properties of these compounds are analysed and discussed.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of esters derived from Schiff's bases containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole

Two homologous series of esters derived from Schiff's bases containing the 1,3,4-thiadiazole unit (series 3 and 5) were synthesized and their liquid crystalline properties investigated by optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Depending on the position occupied by the carbonyl group, the smectic A phase was observed in series 3 and nematic phase in series 5.     

Synthesis,characterisation and liquid crystalline properties of some Schiff base and cinnamate central linkages involving 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolone ring system and their Cu(II) complexes

Two new mesogenic homologous series, each containing 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolone derivatives, 4-n-alkoxyphenyl and Schiff base–cinnamate central linkages, have been synthesised to give 4-[(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methyleneamino] phenyl 3-(4-n-alkoxyphenyl)acrylate [Series-A] and 4-[(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyleneamino] phenyl 3-(4-n-alkoxyphenyl)acrylate [Series-B] and their Cu(II) complexes have also been synthesised. These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), carbon-13 NMR (¹³C NMR) and ultraviolet (UV)-visible and mass spectral studies. Their mesomorphic behaviour was studied by polarising optical microscope (POM) with a heating stage. POM data were compared with differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. In Series-A and -B, all compounds exhibit mesomorphism. Series-A compounds exhibit an enantiotropic nematic mesophase except propyl derivative, while a smectic A (SmA) mesophase is observed from the heptyl derivative and persists up to the last member of the homologous series. n-Heptyloxy derivative is monotropic for SmA phase. Series-B compounds also exhibit the enantiotropic nematic mesophase, while the SmA mesophase is observed from the heptyl derivative and persists up to the last member of the homologous series. n-Dodecyloxy derivative exhibits monotropic SmA and nematic mesophases. The mesomorphic properties of both series are compared with each other and the other structurally related compounds. The study reveals that cinnamate linkage containing liquid crystals have higher thermal stability compared to structurally related series containing chalcone linkage. In case of complex series, only one compound from each series gives nematic mesophase.     

Azomesogens with polar chloro,nitro and phenolic –OH substituents

Two new mesogenic homologous series containing chloro, nitro and phenolic hydroxy groups were synthesised and their molecular structures characterised by a combination of element analysis and standard spectroscopic methods. The mesomorphic behaviour of the compounds of both series was investigated by polarising optical microscopy and, in some cases, differential scanning calorimetry. All the compounds of both the series exhibit an enantiotropic nematic mesophase. In series I higher members also exhibit an enantiotropic smectic A (SmA) mesophase, whereas in series II the enantiotropic SmA mesophase commences somewhat earlier for the middle members. The mesomorphic properties of both series are compared with each other and also with the properties of other structurally related series to evaluate the effects of different polar substituents on mesomorphism.     

Four ring achiral ferroelectric liquid crystals of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles: synthesis and characterisation

A novel series of four-ring achiral ferroelectric liquid crystals containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole cores with unsymmetrical substitutions at C-3 and C-5 positions are synthesised and characterised. A fluoro substituted biphenyl moiety is prepared by Suzuki coupling reaction and is directly attached to the oxadiazole core at the C-5 position for the first time in the literature. An octyl benzoate is attached to the oxadiazole core at the C-3 position of it. All the compounds exhibit polar smectic (B₂) mesophases with ferroelectric switching along with the orthogonal smectic-A mesophases. These compounds possess high mesomorphic thermal ranges of polar smectic phases and are towards the ambient temperatures. The influence of a more electronegative fluorine substituent on the electron rich biphenyl moiety (at the C-5 position) of the oxadiazole core is analysed for the prevalence and abundance of polar smectic (ferroelectric) mesophases.     

The effect of locations of triple bond at terphenyl skeleton on the properties of isothiocyanate liquid crystals

Three series of new tolanyl benzene isothiocyanate liquid crystals A, B and C were synthesised with lateral fluorine substituent at different positions and 3,5-difluoro terminal groups. Series D and compound E4 with carbon–carbon triple bond connected with the isothiocyanated benzene were also prepared as reference. Their structures were confirmed using infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The mesomorphic properties, birefringence, dielectric anisotropy and miscibility of these compounds were investigated. Series A exhibits higher clearing points than that of the corresponding compounds D. Series B displays the lowest melting points, the broadest nematic phase temperature range and no smectic phase with increase of the carbon number of alkyl chain. Lateral fluorine in the position of Y (series C) results in an increase of smectic phase. The birefringence (~0.454–0.490) of series A is almost the same as that of the corresponding reference compounds D, while series B shows a decrease of Δn about 0.05 compared with compounds D. For comparison, mixtures formulated by A and B exhibit higher clearing points and better low temperature stability than those of the mixtures based compounds D in the same fraction.     

Synthesis of UV‐curable liquid crystalline diacrylates for the application of polarized electroluminescence

Two series of UV‐curable rod‐like diacrylates containing bis‐tolane (M1–M5) and bis‐stilbene (M6–M10) mesogens were synthesized. All of the diacrylates were prepared through convergent syntheses involving palladium‐catalysed coupling reactions. The thermal transitions and mesomorphic properties of the diacrylates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. All the bis‐tolane‐based monomers reveal nematic phases, except M5 which shows no mesomorphic behaviour. For the bis‐stilbene based monomers, most show no mesomorphic behavior and only M7 and M9 exhibit a SmA phase.