Mass spectra of alkenyl methyl ethers

Electron impact ionization mass spectra of numerous alkenyl methyl ethers C_nH_2n-1OCH₃ (n = 3–6) recorded under normal (4 kV, 70 eV, 175°C) and low-energy, low-temperature (8 kV, 12 eV, 75 °C) conditions are reported. The influence of the position and stereochemistry of the double bond on the dissociation of ionized alkenyl methyl ethers is discussed. The mechanisms by which these ethers fragment after ionization have been further investigated using extensive ²H-labelling experiments and by studying the energy dependence of the reactions. Ethers of allylic alcohols show spectra that are distinct from those of the isomeric species in which the double bond is separated by one or more sp³ carbon atoms from the carbon atom carrying the methoxy group. Three principal primary fragmentations are observed. The most common process, especially for ionized ethers of allylic alcohols, is loss of an alkyl group. This reaction often occurs by simple α-cleavage of radical-cations of the appropriate structure; however, alkyl groups attached to either end of the double bond are also readily lost. These formal β- and γ-cleavages are explained in terms of rearrangements via distonic ions and, at least in the case of γ-cleavages, ionized methoxycyclopropanes. Ionized homoallyl methyl ethers tend to eliminate an allylic radical, particularly at high internal energies, with formation of an oxonium ion (CH₃ ⁺O?CH₂ or CH₃ ⁺O?CHCH₃). The ethers of linear pentenols and hexenols show abundant [M - CH₃OH]⁺? ions in their spectra, especially when a terminal methoxy group is present Methanol loss also takes place from ionized ethers of allylic alcohols in which there is a Δ-hydrogen atom; this process is significantly favoured by cis, rather than trans, stereochemistry of the double bond.     

Synthesis and properties of liquid crystal monomers containing a reactive group in the lateral substituent

A series of nematic liquid crystal (LC) monomers containing a reactive group (double bonds) in the lateral substituent was designed and synthesised. Length of the lateral substituted groups that have one double bond varied from 1 to 4 methylene units. Length of the terminal substituted groups varied from 2 to 5 methylene units. The molecular structures of the intermediates and the LC monomers were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal phase behaviour of the monomers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised optical microscopy (POM) coupled with hot stage. Some molecules (V₁₅, V₂₅) with high aspect ratio exhibit enantiotropic nematic mesophase. The other compounds (V₁₂, V₂₂, V₄₂, V₄₃) show monotropic nematic mesophase during cooling. The relationship between the structure and mesomorphic property is also discussed.     

Accurate measurement of the twist elastic constant of liquid crystal by using capacitance method

In this study, the twist elastic constant (k₂₂) of liquid crystals (LCs) was accurately measured using capacitance method. The constant can be obtained on the basis of accurate measurement of other LC parameters, such as parallel and vertical dielectric constants (ε_// and ε_⊥), splay and bend elastic constants (k₁₁ and k₃₃), and rotational viscosity coefficient (γ₁). First, by using dual-cell capacitance method and an LC cell capacitance model to measure ε_// and ε_⊥, k₁₁ and k₃₃ can be obtained from the threshold voltage determined from the voltage–capacitance curve of the parallel-aligned nematic LC layer and the comparison between the experimental and theoretical results based on the Frank elastic theory, respectively. In addition, γ₁ can be obtained from the measurement of the dynamic response in the parallel-aligned nematic cell. Finally, k₂₂ can be accurately determined using the threshold voltage of the twisted nematic LC cell. By adopting the above method, the measured k₂₂ for LC E7 was 6.7 × 10^?12 N. The proposed method is more rigorous and yields a more accurate measurement result than the other methods reported in the literature.     

Measurement of the orientational elastic constants and the twist viscosity of nematic side chain polymers

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the three elastic constants k _ii (i = 1, 2, 3) and the twist viscosity γ₁ of two nematic side chain polyacrylates and one comparable low molecular weight compound have been measured by means of the Freedericksz effect. The change from the low to the high molecular liquid crystal causes a change of the ratio k ₃₃/k ₁₁ from greater to less than unity, but the order of magnitude of the elastic constants remains the same. In contrast, the twist viscosity of the polymeric liquid crystal is about 1000 times greater in magnitude than that of a comparable low molecular weight liquid crystal. The activation energy for the viscosity of the polymer differs by a factor 3–4 from that of the low molecular weight liquid crystal. The elastic constants as well as the twist viscosity show a quadratic dependence on the order parameter S over a wide temperature range.     

Nematic conformation of oxyethylene spacers involved in main-chain liquid crystals

²HNMR measurements were performed on main-chain dimer and polymer liquid crystals (LC) having oxyethylene (OE) spacers -(OCH₂CH₂)_xO-(x=2, 3). The orientational as well as conformational characteristics of these molecules have been investigated in bulk and in a nematic solution. The OE spacer was found to take spatial arrangements characteristics of the nematic phase. The nematic conformation of the spacer remains nearly invariant over a wide range of temperature and concentration. In these analyses, the ratio of the deuterium quadrupolar splittings Δν/Δν^R (Δν: spacer and Δν^R: mesogenic unit) provided an important information regarding the spatial configuration of molecules in the LC state. The results obtained in this study are consistent with our previous conclusion drawn on a series of main-chain LC oligomers and polymers comprising n-alkane spacers -O(CH₂)_nO- (n=9, 10).     

Measurement of the rotational viscosity, γ1 of nematic liquid crystals under high pressure

Abstract

A method for the measurement of the rotational viscosity, γ₁ of nematic liquid crystals under high pressure is described. First measurements for the liquid crystals 4'-methoxybenzylidene-4-n-butylaniline, a broad range nematic mixture of substituted cyclohexyl-phenyls and a re-entrant nematic mixture are presented.     

The synthesis and liquid crystal transition temperatures of some weakly polar nematic methyl (E)-[trans-4-substituted-cyclohexyl]-allyl ethers

Abstract

We have introduced an oxygen atom and a carbon-carbon double bond with a trans-configuration (E) into the terminal alkyl chain of a wide variety of liquid crystalline cyclohexane derivatives to produce a variety of new methyl (E)-allyl ethers. The melting points and tendency to form smectic mesophases are often low, while nearly all of the compounds prepared exhibit a nematic phase. Thus, even two-ring derivatives can exhibit nematic phases over a wide temperature range (≤80°C), sometimes starting below room temperature (T _m≈10°C). Comparisons with the corresponding derivatives incorporating either just an oxygen atom or just a carbon-carbon double bond in the same position indicate that synergetic effects lead to broader nematic phases than would otherwise have been expected. Thus many of the new methyl (E)-allyl ethers exhibit nematic phases over a wider temperature range than the corresponding materials with an unsubstituted alkyl chain attached to the cyclohexyl ring. The new compounds are easily prepared from known starting materials. Many intermediates are themselves liquid crystalline. This allows investigation of the relationship between liquid crystal transition temperatures and the nature of the terminally substituted alkyl chain (for example, incorporating C[dbnd]C, OH, CO₂C₂H₅ and OCH₃ groups).     

Heterocyclic pyridine-based liquid crystals: synthesis and mesomorphic properties

A series of new calamitic liquid crystals, 4-{[(pyridin-4-yl)methylidene]amino}phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates comprising a heterocyclic (pyridine) and two phenyl rings core system, terminal alkoxy chain, imine and ester linkers were synthesised and characterised. This series consists of nine members wherein the members differ by the length of alkoxy chain (C_nH_2n+1O–, where n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18). Spectral analysis results were in accordance with the expected structure. Their thermotropic behaviours were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarising microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. A single mesophase (nematic) was observed for the first three members of the series (n = 2, 4 and 6). As the alkoxy chain increased to n = 8 and n = 10, the nematic phase appeared together with an additional smectic A (SmA) phase. When moving from n = 12 until the highest members (n = 18), the nematic phase disappeared and these compounds only exhibited a single mesophase (SmA).     

Design and synthesis of nematic liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy

Axially fluorinated cyclohexane derivatives are a promising new type of liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy. Up to now, the technical application of these materials in LCDs was impeded by their strong tendency to form smectic B mesophases. We present a convenient synthetic pathway leading to new homologues carrying alkenyl side chains which induce nematic phases.     

Neighboring olefinic double-bond participation in gas phase pyrolysis of some alkenyl chlorides

4-Chloro-1-butene, 5-chloro-1-pentene, and 6-chloro-1-hexene have been shown to decompose, in a static system, mainly to hydrogen chloride and the corresponding alkadienes. In packed and unpacked clean Pyrex vessels the reactions were significantly heterogeneous. However, in a vessel seasoned with allyl bromide these reactions were homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow a first-order law. The working temperature range was 389.6–480.0°C and with a pressure range of 53–221 Torr. The rate constants for the homogeneous reactions were expressed by the following Arrhenius equations: 4-chloro-1-butene: logk(sec^?1) = (13.79 ± 0.17) – (223.8 ± 2.1)kJ/mole/2.303RT; 5-chloro-1-pentene: logk(sec^?1) = (14.25 ± 1.20) – (238.4 ± 12.7)kJ/mole/2.303RT; and 6-chloro-1-hexene: logk(sec^?1) = (12.38 ± 0.22) – (209.6 ± 2.9)kJ/mole/2.303RT. The olefinic double bond has been found to participate in the rate of dehydrohalogenation of 4-chloro-1-butene. The insulation of the CH₂?CH in chlorobutene by one or two methylene chains to the reaction center does not indicate neighboring group participation. The three-membered conformation is the most favored structure for anchimeric assistance of the double bond in gas phase pyrolysis of alkenyl chlorides. The heterolytic nature of these eliminations is also supported by the present work.     

A commonly used spin label: S‐(2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1‐oxyl‐Δ3‐pyrrolin‐3‐ylmethyl) methanethiosulfonate

The title compound, C₁₀H₁₈NO₃S₂, which finds application as a spin label, has triclinic (P) symmetry at 100 (2) K with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules are very similar with respect to bond lengths and angles, but molecule 2 shows disordering of its side chain. The pyrroline rings differ slightly with respect to the position of the NO group, which in both cases are sterically shielded by the surrounding methyl groups. The crystal structure of the title compound represents the first example of a 2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1‐oxyl‐Δ³‐pyrroline derivative with a side chain at the double bond which is linked to it through an sp³‐hybridized C atom. In the solid state, the side chain adopts a conformation with the methyl group above/below the pyrroline ring and a H atom directed towards a C atom of the double bond. The disordered side chain of molecule 2 represents a second conformation with low potential energy. Both molecules exhibit planar chirality, but in the solid state both pairs of stereoisomers are present. These four stereoisomers are stacked one behind the other in four different columns, denoted A, A′, B and B′, the angle between the vectors of the N—O bonds in columns A and B being 80.38 (8)°.     

The catalytic reactions of triethyl- and triethoxy-silane with unsaturated sulphides

The hydrosilylation of mono- and di-alkenyl sulphides of the type RS(CH₂)_nCH=CH₂ (R = C₂H₅, CH₂=CH, CH₂=CHCH₂, C₃H₇, n = 0, 1 and 4) by triethyl- and triethoxy-silane, catalyzed by H₂PtCl₆·6 H₂O, (Ph₃P)₃RhCl and (PhCN)₂PdCl₂·Ph₃P, has been studied. The addition of hydrosilane to the double bond of alkenyl sulphide leads to a mixture of two isomeric monoadducts. The hydrosilane can cleave the C---S bond of the initial sulphides giving the corresponding derivatives of thiosilanes, X₃SiS(CH₂)_nCH=CH₂ (X = C₂H₅, C₂H₅O). Hydrosilylation of alkenyl sulphides is accompanied by some side reactions such as dehydrocondensation, reduction and polymerization. The effect of the catalyst nature, the structure of hydrosilane and alkenyl sulphide on the reaction route has been investigated.     

Synthesis of new schiff base ester liquid crystals with a benzothiazole core

A series of new calamitic liquid crystals, 6-methoxy-2-(4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles, comprising a benzothiazole core, terminal methoxy group and a Schiff base linkage were synthesised and characterised. This series comprises 12 members wherein members differ by the length of the alkanoyloxy chain (C _n-1H_2n-1COO-, where n?=?2–8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18). Their mesomorphic properties were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarising microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. The short chain derivatives (n?=?2 and 3) were non-mesogenic compounds, while an enantiotropic nematic phase was present throughout the remaining members of the series. The smectic C phase emerged from the decanoyloxy derivative onwards.     

Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric indication of double bond position in monounsaturated primary acetates and alcohols without derivatization

Electron impact mass spectra of straight chain, monounsaturated C₁₂ to C₁₈ acetates and alcohols have been shown to be useful in the indication of the double bond position on an empirical basis. The ratio of intensities of the m/z 55 and m/z 54 ions increases proportionately as the double bond is moved away from the acetate or alcohol functional group. The intensity of the m/z 61 ion also can be correlated with the double bond position. Results are generally accurate to ±1 carbon atom.     

Experimental determination of the flexoelectric coefficients of some nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

We report measurements of the temperature variation of the flexoelectric coefficient (e ₁–e ₃) of a number of nematic liquid crystals like phenylcyclohexanes, cyanobiphenyls, etc. We have also measured (e ₁+e ₃) of a few systems using appropriate methods of applying an electric field gradient to the sample. In most of the systems, (e ₁–e ₃)/k, where k is a curvature elastic constant, is found to be positive and independent of temperature, as expected. However, in 4-heptyl-1-(4-cyanocyclohexyl)cyclohexane and a few other compounds with relatively flexible parts, |(e ₁–e ₃)/k| increases with temperature. We discuss the possible molecular origin of the sign and temperature dependence of the flexoelectric coefficients of the systems studied.     

Light scattering from a nematic monodomain in an electric field Twist elastic constant and viscosity coefficient of nematic polymer–solvent mixtures

Abstract

The light scattering technique was used to investigate the viscoelastic parameters characterizing director twist distortions in miscible nematic mixtures of 5CB (pentacyanobiphenyl) with two side chain liquid crystal polymers and a main chain liquid crystal polymer. By applying an AC electric field to homeotropically-aligned nematic monodomains of the mixtures, the field-dependent scattering intensities and director orientation fluctuation relaxation rates yield, respectively, the twist elastic constant K ₂₂ and viscosity coefficient γ₁. The results directly demonstrate that the addition of liquid crystal polymers causes substantial decreases of the relaxation rates for dynamic light scattering from the twist mode and these changes are due to small decreases in K ₂₂ coupled with large increases in γ₁. The decrements in K ₂₂ are comparable for both side chain and main chain liquid crystal polymers. The relative increase in the twist viscosity for the side chain liquid crystal polymers is much smaller than those of main chain polymers. A theoretical model is used to qualitatively interpret the difference between the viscous behaviour of the twist mode for both side chain and main chain liquid crystal polymers in a nematic solvent.     

Elastic constants,viscosity and dielectric properties of bent-core nematic liquid crystals doped with single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are dispersed in (4’-fluoro phenyl azo) phenyl-4-yl 3-[N-(4’-n-hecyloxy 2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-2-methylbenzoate (6–2M-F) a bent-core nematic (BCN) liquid crystalline medium composed of bent-shaped molecules with short core, reduced bend angle possessing polar fluoro substituent in longitudinal direction and methyl group in bent direction. Such molecules are at the borderline of typical bent-core and rod-like molecules resembling hockey stick shape with intermediate properties. The elastic anisotropy is negative for 6–2M-F (bend elastic constant K₃₃ < splay elastic constant K₁₁); similar to other BCNs reported earlier with smectic-like clusters; but turns to high positive (K₃₃ > K₁₁) value by insertion of SWCNT (concentration ≥0.05 wt.%) in 6–2 M-F. The ratio of K₃₃/K₁₁ becomes comparable to the calamitic liquid crystals (LCs) in doped system. Dielectric anisotropy increases in the nanocomposite implying enhanced nematic ordering due to π–π electron interaction between CNTs and the LC molecules. Threshold voltage at first increases and then decreases with increasing CNT concentration owing to the respective variations in splay viscosity of the system. The present study demonstrated the interaction of SWCNTs with BCN molecules and reveals significant modifications in viscoelastic, dielectric and ionic properties of the host.     

Carboxylate Catalyzed Isomerization of β,γ-Unsaturated N-Acetylcysteamine Thioesters**

We demonstrate herein the capacity of simple carboxylate salts – tetrametylammonium and tetramethylguanidinium pivalate – to act as catalysts in the isomerization of β,γ-unsaturated thioesters to α,β-unsaturated thioesters. The carboxylate catalysts gave reaction rates comparable to those obtained with DBU, but with fewer side reactions. The reaction exhibits a normal secondary kinetic isotope effect (k_1H/k_1D=1.065±0.026) with a β,γ-deuterated substrate. Computational analysis of the mechanism provides a similar value (k_1H/k_1D=1.05) with a mechanism where γ-reprotonation of the enolate intermediate is rate determining.     

Anchimeric assistance in the gas phase dehydrohalogenation of 5-chloro-2-methylpent-2-ene

5-Chloro-2-methylpent-2-ene decomposes at temperatures of 370–420°C with initial pressures from 61to 158 torr to yield hydrogen chloride and a mixture of methylpentadiene isomers. In a static system, with seasoned vessel and propene inhibitor, the reaction is homogeneous, unimolecular, and of the first order. The rate coefficient is expressed by the following Arrhenius equation: log k (sec^?1) = (13.43 ± 0.30) ? (215.0 ± 3.7) kJ/mol/2.303RT. The result ofthe present work additionally supports the participation of the neighboringaliphatic olefinic double bond in the rate of HCl elimination of alkenyl chlorides in the gas phase. Moreover, it also confirms the three-membered conformation as the most favored structure for anchimeric assistance.     

Effect of nematic ordering on the elasticity and yielding in disordered polymeric solids

The relation between elasticity and yielding is investigated in a model polymer solid by Molecular‐Dynamics simulations. By changing the bending stiffness of the chain and the bond length, semicrystalline and disordered glassy polymers — both with bond disorder — as well as nematic glassy polymers with bond ordering are obtained. It is found that in systems with bond disorder the ratio τ_Y/G between the shear yield strength τ_Y and the shear modulus G is close to the universal value of the atomic metallic glasses. The increase of the local nematic order in glasses leads to the increase of the shear modulus and the decrease of the shear yield strength, as observed in experiments on nematic thermosets. A tentative explanation of the subsequent reduction of the ratio τ_Y/G in terms of the distributions of the per‐monomer stress is offered. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 1760–1769